y 



I 



I 



0-^ 

FOOT-PRINTS 



OF 



AN ITINEEANT. 

BY 



MAXWELL PIERSON GADDIS 

OF THE ClXCIIfNATI COXFEREXCE. 



As ye go, preach. — Matthew x, 7. 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth 
good tidings !— Isaiah lii, 7. 



PRINTED AT THE IVIETHODIST BOOK CONCERN, 
FOR THE AUTHOR. 

E. P. THOMPSON, PRINTEK. 
1856. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, 
BY MAXWELL P. GADDIS, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Ohio. 




TO 

AND 

ITINERANT MINISTERS 

OF ^ 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

AND 

TO MY COLABORERS OF THE OHIO AND CINCINNATI CONFERENCES, 
AND TO ALL 

" AMONG WHOM I HAVE GONE PREACHING THE KINGDOM OF GOD," 

ARE FRATERNALLY INSCRIBED 
BY THEIR 
FELLOW-LABORER IN THE LORD, 

THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



More than two years ago, in consequence of a 
bronchial affection, I reluctantly dissolved my pas- 
toral relation with the Green-street station, in the 
city of Piqua, Miami county, Ohio. Under these 
circumstances I was induced to go to the city of 
New York, for the purpose of consulting a distin 
guished physician. From there I proceeded with 
my family to Brattleboro, Vermont, and spent the 
remaining part of the summer of 1853 at the cel- 
ebrated " Wesselhoeft Water-Cure Establishment." 
In the fall my health was slightly improved, but my 
vocal organs so much debilitated that I was com- 
pelled to take a superannuated relation. When 1 
retired from the active duties of the ministry, I 
resolved to go again and visit my brethren in every 
city where I had previously gone preaching the word 
of the Lord, ''and see how they prospered.'' But 
this I found impracticable. In entering into a ret- 
rospect of the different circuits and stations assigned 
to me I could truly say, "Though I be absent in 
the flesh, yet am I with you in spirit, joying and be- 
holding your order and the steadfastness of your 
faith in Christ." I was then deeply impressed with 
the belief that the time for labor with me that would 
be profitable to my fellow-men was drawing to a 
close. It was then and at a still later period of that 
same year that the ''Foot-Prints of an Itinerant" 



6 



PREFACE. 



were hastily written. I addressed a note to a highly- 
esteemed literary friend, with a request that he would 
take charge of my manuscripts and keep them till 
after my decease, and then make such disposition of 
them as he should think best — for the glory of God, 
the good of his Chui-ch, and the interest of my be- 
loved family. The following fraternal letter will re- 
veal the spkit with which they were received : 

" My Dear Buother Gaddis, — I have just time to say that 
I received and read with deep interest yours of January 
18th, . You are acting wisely in penning your recollec- 
tions of the past. The book will not only be interesting to 
your associates, but to the Church in general and the public 
at large — as I presume it will embody much of the local history 
of south-eastern Ohio. Any service that I can render you 
will be most cheerfully afforded. I have often prayed for God 
to bless you in your affliction. Be grateful for his mercies; 
O, how rich and abundant they are! 

"Yours, affectionately, ." 

About midsummer in the following year, on meet- 
ing this beloved brother, he informed me that he had 
''redeemed time" to read all my manuscripts care- 
fully, and that it was his opinion that I should super- 
intend their publication myself without delay. This 
statement sui'prised me very much ; and I deem it 
proper to state to my readers that I had no such 
thoughts while engaged in sketching my personal 
recollections of incidents and scenes in the itin- 
erancy. I never expected to see them printed. I 
had simply recorded facts and incidents without 
special regard to style or any attempt at ornament. 
I thought if they were published in future they 
would need rewriting or a supervision, such as I 



PREFACE. 



7 



was unable to give in my present state of health. 
However, I finally concluded to order their return. 
I then forwarded them to Bishop T. A. Morris at 
Cincinnati, with the request that he would give 
them an impartial investigation. His opinion of 
their merits, after a careful examination, and the 
propriety of their publication in their present form, 
will be found in the following brief, characteristic 
communication : 

"HoaiE Lodge, November 25, 1854:. 
"Rev. Maxwell P. Gaddis — Dear Brother, — I have fol- 
lowed your ^Foot-Prints'' through with much interest, alter- 
nately moved with tender and terrific emotions as the scenes 
and subjects changed. I am clearly of the opinion that the 
manuscript ought to be published, and that it would be pop- 
ular and useful, and of course would sell quite extensively. 
"Yours, faithfully, T. A. Morris." 

As the *Toot-Prints " contain much personal ex- 
perience and observation, I still hesitated to publish 
them myself till the reception of a second letter 
from a highly-esteemed friend, in regard to the pro- 
priety of publishing them at the present time. 
Were I permitted to give the name of the writer, 
none would doubt his ability to judge correctly of 
their merits : 

" As a friend I would advise you to put the manuscript to 
press without any thing else than such a revision as you can 
easily give yourself as the sheets pass through the press. Do 
not think me hesitating or equivocating; I say as before, the 
work will do well. It may safely go to press as it is. I would 
advise you to put it to press immediately. 

" Yours, affectionately, 

Dear reader, twenty years ago last February I 
commenced the work of the ministry. When I com- 



8 



PREFACE. 



menced mj labors the original, eloquent band of 
^'western pioneers" were still on the field of battle. 
I entered the work at a point which brought me into 
close fellowship with Revs. Quinn, Lakin, Collins. 
Jones, Page, Christie, Ferree, and Raper. These 
venerable men of God "taught my inexperienced 
hands to war and my fingers to fight." I am es- 
pecially indebted for much of my success in winning 
souls to Christ to the instructions of the venerable 
John Collins and the late Rev. William B. Christie, 
who were both men of deep experience and great prac- 
tical skill. I regret that I did not profit more by 
their lessons of experience and brilliant example. 
Upward of fifty of Zion's watchmen have '''died at 
their post'' in the Ohio and Cincinnati conferences 
since I commenced the work of the ministry. I was 
intimately acquainted with nearly all of them, and 
some of them I loved most tenderly. " Our fathers, 
where are they? and the prophets, do they live for- 
ever?" It seems but as yesterday since I girded 
myself for battle. How fleeting and transient is 
human life ! 

" We are passing away." 

" Time 

Knows not the weiglit of sleep or weariness. 
And night's deep darkness has no chain to bind 
His rushing pinion." 

Eternity! 0, eternity! how it sounds in my ears! 
Brothers and companions, let us "walk circum- 
spectly, not as fools, but wise, redeeming the time, 
because the days are evil." "Let us contend earn- 
estly for the faith once delivered to the saints," 
holding fast the form of sound words, and then God 



PREFACE. 



9 



will go forth with our armies as in other years. "The 
direct and downright preaching of Jesus, in these 
days of critical and carping hearers, requires far 
more boldness, self-denial, and consistency of deci- 
sion than is generally suspected. There is a lament- 
able aversion, in all ranks and classes, to the un- 
decorated propositions of the Bible. The embassy 
of Divine mercy must be philosophized and rhetor- 
icated, or we reject it. Plainness of speech is mean- 
ness of speech. We call for figures and flowers of 
oratory; we are luxurious in our tastes and exor- 
bitant in our demands; spiritual life and spiritual 
death, the vast themes of eternity, and the engross- 
ing subjects of revelation, are powerless to move us, 
unless tricked out and garnished with the pride of 
learning and the glory of the schools. We go to 
church or chapel as we would to a lecture-room or 
a theater — for intellectual instruction or intellectual 
entertainment; and our approbation of the per- 
former is in exact proportion to the skill which he 
exhibits or the talent he displays. The fact is, we 
take the bread of life and the water of life, not be- 
cause we hunger and thirst, but in compliance with 
the pressure of a fashionable duty; and the preacher 
who best succeeds in turning the water into wine 
and the bread into sumptuous fare, is the preacher 
under whom we ^sit' with the greatest composure." 
" He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the 
night? watchman, what of the night? The watch- 
man said. The morning cometh, and also the night: 
if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come!" 

I respond with humility, that I have constantly 



10 



PREFACE. 



endeavored to preach the glorious Gospel of the 
blessed God, which was committed to my trust, with 
great plainness of speech, confidently believing that 
it would prove eifectual in the awakening and con- 
version of mj fellow-men. I now thank Jesus 
Christ, who counted me faithful, putting me into the 
ministry, that the successive fields of labor assigned 
to me were never barren. I sowed the good seed 
of the kingdom, believing that I should reap soon. 
I was not disappointed. I have witnessed many ex- 
traordinary revivals of religion, especially in the 
Scioto and Miami Valleys. Many have been added 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church through my fee- 
ble instrumentality — some of whom are now with 
trump in hand standing as watchmen on the walls 
of Zion. To God be all the glory I Amen. To 
my former colaborers I will take the liberty of say- 
ing, let us exalt the cross now and ever; let us 
continue to point the sinner to it as the only accept- 
able sacrifice, as the only adequate purchase of sal- 
vation. For the sin-sick, dying soul there is no 
other fountain but that which has been opened 
for sin and uncleanness; for the ''weary and 
heavy laden ' ' no other relief but the Lamb of God 
that taketh away the sin of the world. To the tem- 
pest-tossed mariner of time we would present no 
other chart than that which was drawn by the 
great Captain of our salvation — no other compass 
than that which points unerringly to the throne of 
Goa — no other foundation than that which was 
laid in Zion, Jesus Christ himself being the chief 
corner-stone. 



PREFACE. 



11 



It is now more than two years since I have been 
able to preach. This is a sore deprivation to one 
whose heart is still in the work. Yet I do not re- 
pine ; I am still a very happy man. I could never 
see my way clear at any former period to quit the 
battle-field. In my retirement this reflection affords 
me much consolation, that while continued by the 
conference on the ^'list of effectives'' I was a ''"man 
of one work.'' "By the grace of God I am what I 
am." When the dark days of prostration came 
upon me and wearisome "nights were appointed unto 
me," 

** O'er all those cloudy scenes and dark 

There ever -was within my call, 
An arm outstretched to guard my fall, 

And guide my fragile bark ; 
A light, a sign of power divine. 
Which made the darkest night with radiance shine. 

"Thou, Lord, hast known my soul in adversities. I 
had fainted unless I had believed., to see the good- 
ness of the Lord in the land of the living. My 
heart trusted in thee and I am helped." 

" Ever changeless, 
God's blessed word hath firmly stood." 

I have not been without friends in 'Hime of need'* 
in by-gone days. I do not fear that they will for- 
sake me while living, or forget me when dead. 

" To live in hearts we leave behind us 
Is not to die." 

In conclusion, I need only say to my numerous 
friends and a generous public, that the entire pro- 
ceeds arising from the sale of this work will be 
faithfully applied to procure the means of an inde- 



12 



PREFACE. 



pendent subsistence for my affectionate wife and 
three children, whose happiness and welfare are as 
dear to me as life itself. 

I now send forth the "Foot-Prints of an Itiner- 
ant" with the ardent hope that they may travel 
more extensively and prove a greater blessing to the 
Church and more highly beneficial to the world at 
large than the itinerant labors of, the unworthy 
author. May Heaven's best blessing ever accom- 
pany the perusal of the Foot-Prints 

" Foot -prints which, perhaps, another 
Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, 
Seeing, shall take heart again." 

Maxwell P. Gaddis. 
West Fnd, Dayton^ Ohio^ August 3^ 1855. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

KATIVITY— EMIGBATION — GRAVES OF A HOUSEHOLU 

Birth — Ancestry — Emigration — Ship Stafford — Sickness — ^Death of my 
two little brothers — Burial at sea — Painful reflections — A mysterious dis- 
pensation — Anchorage in the Delaware — Death of a twin babe — Settle- 
ment in Pennsylvania — Kemoval to Ohio — Death of my eldest sister and 
her husband in Indiana — Burial-places of the departed members of the 
family — "Graves of a household " "Page 31 

CHAPTER II. 

INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH MY EAELY LIFE. 

Removal from Delaware — "War— Enlistment of my brother Robert — 
Five years' campaign — Artillery company — ^Light dragoons — Painful sepa- 
ration — Anguish of my mother — Her subsequent conduct — Removal to 
Ohio — Never meets her son again — Wonderful providences 35 

CHAPTER III. 

SCHOOL-TEACHING. 

A mother's solicitude — Dif&culties overcome — Her indefatigable ex- 
ertions — First effort at teaching school — Licensed to teach "common 
schools" — Attended college — Health very poor — Clerkship — Book-keep- 
ing—Engaged in teaching a large school — Ruled them by prayer — " Glen 
Cottage " — Bishop Bascom — An amusing scene — " Barred out " — Rev. 
\V^illiam H. Lawder — His first public exhortation — A mother's prayers — 
Family scene— Taught to sing Mr. Wesley's hymns 40 

CHAPTER IV. 

METHODIST CAMP MEETING. 

Seceders — Their strong prejudices — ^Parents members of Seceder Church 
in Pennsylvania — Introduction of Methodism — Camp meeting — Curiosity 
of my brother to attend — Opposition of my parents — Opinion of the Meth- 
odist people generally — My brother finally concluded to attend— His 
awakening — Mourners' bench — Happy conversion^ — His unwillingness to 
return — Conduct of my father — A visit to the encampment — His feelings 



14 



CONTENTS. 



on approaching the gi'ound— Listens to one sermon— His unkind treat- 
ment of my brother — Their sad return home Page 45 

CHAPTER V. 

COXVEESIOX OF MY MOTHEK. 

Persecution of my brother John — ^Displeasure of my mother — Her fears 
for the reputation of the family — Steadfastness of my brother — Forbidden 
to attend the Methodist meetings — A period of painful solicitude — Resort 
to prayer — Increasing spiritual vigor — A Methodist prayer meeting at M. — 
Time of deliverance — Forbidden to attend — Submission to parental au- 
thority — Retires for secret prayer — Indignation of my mother — Starts for 
the prayer meeting — Hears a voice at prayer in the barn — Listens for 
a moment — Recognizes the voice of my brother — Trembles before the 
Lord — Hastens to the house — Deeply convicted for sin — Sleep departs 
fi'om her eyelids — Cries aloud for mercy upon her bed — Alarm of my 
father — Awakes my brother — Desires to have a physician called — Jesus 
appears to save — Conversion of my mother— Her shouts of victory — ^Its 
effect upon my father 49 

CHAPTER VI. 

SHOUTIlfa IN CHUECH. 

Scene at family prayers — Shouting a breach of decorum — Subsequent 
conduct of my father — Attendance of my mother at her own Church — 
Shouts aloud for joy — Consternation of the minister and private mem- 
bers — Speedy termination of the service — An unusual occurrence — Effect 
upon others — Shouting at home — Shouts again at Church — Her minister 
unable to proceed — Mortification of my father — Rejoicing among the 
Methodists — A similar scene — Cries of "Order! order!" — Elders called 
upon to remove her from her pew in vain — Congregation dismissed in 
great confusion — Cited to trial for disorderly conduct — Her fears and fer- 
vent appeals to the throne of grace — Trial and acquittal — Attends a class 
meeting — Obtains a letter of dismissal from the Seceders — Joins the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816 55 

CHAPTER VII. 

OEIGIN AND PEOGEESS OF METHODISM IN EIPLEY. 

Family discussion on Christian experience — Controversy on Calvinism — 
The doctrine of free grace— Removal to Ohio in 1817— Settled on Eagle 
creek— Preaching at the house of Samuel Fitch — Sermon by Rev. James 
Havens on free grace — Change in my father's views on theological sub- 
jects — His union with the Methodist Episcopal Church — ^Rev. Isaac Pa- 
vey — Names of the members of the first class on Eagle creek — Rev. H. B. 
Bascom, leader — Rev. John Meek — A sketch of Ripley — First class — John 
Gaddis, leader — First Methodist sermon and first burial — Rev. John Col- 
lins 63 



CONTENTS. 



15 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MY CONVEESION. 

Camp meeting in Mason county, Kentucky, in 1824: — Parting scene at the 
gate — Exhortation of my mother — My object in going — The number of 
our little band — The kindness of the late Johnston Armstrong — Its happy 
influence on my youthful mind — Powerful preaching — Prayer meeting for 
mourners — My curiosity to witness the scene — The means employed to 
bring me to Christ — The thought of final separation from family in 
heaven — Approach to the altar — Long struggle without relief — Tempta- 
tion of the enemy — How I obtained the victory — Kindness of a beloved 
brother — Prayers of my mother — Conversion of my brother William — My 
own deliverance — The importunate prayers of my mother at home — The 
answer in her own heart — Our return and the subsequent joy Page 70 

CHAPTER IX. 

CALL TO THE MINISTRY. 

Call to the ministry — Licensed to exhort — Rev. W. Allen and Elijah H. 
Field — Form of my first license — Unwillingness to bear the cross — Com- 
pelled to exhort against my will at Georgetown — Rev. B. Westlake — Sick- 
ness — ^Entered college — Health failed — Returned to business pursuits to 
drown my convictions — Made known my conviction of duty to Rev. P. — 
iJnhappiness of mind increased daily 77 

CHAPTER X. 

CAMP MEETING SCENE. 

Rev. W. B. Christie— Rev. J. B. Finley— Rev. H. B. Bascom — Arrival at 
the camp-ground — Rev. B. Westlake — Arrival of tent-holders — Appearance 
of a storm — Appropriate hymn — ^Remarkable answer to prayer — An infi- 
del awakened — Sketch of Christie — His style and manner of preach- 
ing 82 

CHAPTER XI. 

SCENES AT A FASHIONABLE WATEEING-PLACE. 

A visit to the Lower Blue Licks, in Kentucky — Shocking profanity of 
the visitors — Card-playing — A mock class meeting — The peculiar charac- 
ter of the exercises— Sudden and melancholy death of two of the princi- 
pal actors — The degraded condition of another when last seen or heard 
from — A visit to Cincinnati — A happy meeting with my first school- 
teacher, Dr. V. — A pleasure-trip to Wheeling — Cholera on the Ohio — 
Deaths in Wheeling — Passengers all refused to land — Went ashore at 
Steubenville and spent the Sabbath — Returned home by the way of Cadiz, 
Cambridge, Zanesville, and Chillicothe — Sickness at the "crossings of 
Ohio Brush creek " — Arrival at West Union — A good class meeting — 
Happy frame of mind — Safe return to R. 93 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER XII. 

FIRST RELIGIOUS EXERCISES IK PUBLIC. 

Engaged as book-keeper at Oliio Brusli Creek Forge — Parting words of 
my sister during the prevalence of the cholera at E. — Healthy location of 
the Forge— How I was first introduced as an exhort er— Exhorted nearly 
every Sabbath— The kindness shown me by the Forgemen — Visiting th© 
sick — ^Mind harassed continually on the subject of preaching — Licensed 
to preach, through mistake, at the Hopewell meeting-house — Singular 
manner in which it was discovered — My first efibrt — The efiects result- 
ing — A mysterious providence explained — " No man having put his hana 
to the plow, and looking back " Page 98 

CHAPTER XIII. 

REMARKABLE COXTEESIOX OF A TOUXG LADY. 

Conversion of Miss "W. — Her subsequent despondency — Despairs of the 
mercy of God — Her rapid decline — Last sickness — Gracious deliverance — 
Happy death — Funeral Sermon by Rev. John Meek — A powerful awaken- 
ing — Success of my efforts — Commenced keeping a diary — Happy frame 
of mind — Trials and temptations — Licensed regularly as a local preacher 
by Rev. Leroy Swormstedt, in 1835. 103 

CHAPTER XIY. 

HAPPY DEATH OF MY FATHER. 

Sickness of my dear father — His strong confidence — An affecting 
scene — His dying benedictions — His cloudless prospect — Freedom from 
the power of temptation — Death struggle — " A hard day's work " — 
"Roughest of the journey over " — Last conversation with a friend — " I am 
Christ's free man" — Peaceful death — X solemn funeral — ^Sudden death 
of Dr. V. with cholera, at Cincinnati — The grief of his family — Refusal to 
occupy the homestead — My own lonely condition — Ravages of the cholera 
at "^est Lnion — Extracts from diary — Preached at Saterfield's — Opened 
the doors of the Church for the first time — God. gave me one soul as the 

first fruits " — A few weeks afterward caught three more "fish " of great 
promise 108 

CHAPTER XV. 

REMARKABLE PEEMOKITIOIf. 

Built a stone church with a subscription of ninety dollars — Singular 
occurrence at Saterfield's meeting-house — Went prepared to preach from 
a certain text, but was obliged to speak from another without a moment's 
time to prepare — Sudden death soon after — His funeral sermon — An ex- 
planation of the remarkable circumstances connected with his sickness 
and death 115 



CONTENTS. 



17 



CHAPTER XVI. 

MY FIEST CIRCUIT. 

Refused a recommendation to the annual conference — One to be suj>- 
plied on West Union — Informed that I was expected as the supply — Re- 
fused to go — Another employed to fill it — Dissatisfaction on the circuit — 
Consented to travel at the first quarterly meeting — Went down to Ripley 
to commence — Much embarrassed and discouraged soon after my arrival — 
A remarkable dream about fishing — Its influence on my mind — Private 
interview with my mother — Her affectionate counsel — The covenant — Its 
happy influence upon my future ministry Page 120 

CHAPTER XVII. 

EXHORTATION BEFORE SERMON. 

Embarrassed state of feeling at my second appointment — Exhortation 
before preaching — Eavesdropping of an aged minister — Death of a class- 
leader's wife at E. — Happy state of feeling in the audience after her inter- 
ment — The Spirit grieved by boasting of victory — Upbraided for not open- 
ing the doors of the €hurch at one of my appointments — Changed my 
practice soon afterward — A singular dream — The good resulting from it — 
History of little Henry — His presentiment of death — His funeral ser- 
mon — Message to his class-mates 126 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE CONTRAST. 

A triumphant death-bed — Her last exhortation — The Bible adapted to 
every condition — A midnight scene at the dying bed of a young lady — 
"Griere not the Spirit of God" — How hard it is to die without religion — 
Delay dangerous— Awakening and conversion of a young lady at R. — 
The unexpected messenger — Her happy death and thanks to her pas- 
tor 134 

CHAPTER XIX. 

REMARKABLE DEATHS— MYSTERIOUS FAMILY. 

Terrifying death of an intimate acquaintance — The fatal warning — A 
vision of heaven and hell — The "gnawings of the worm that never 
dies " — The horrors of the death-chamber — Ruling passion strong in 
death — Untimely death of a young man engaged to be married — Preached 
for him when dying till his speech and sight failed — Buried on the day 
appointed for the nuptials — " Be ye also ready " — Mysterious family. 140 

CHAPTER XX. 

THE SUICIDE. 

The fatal results of intemperance — A broken constitution — ^Warned of 
his death — Convinced that religion was necessary — A troubled con- 

2 



18 



CONTENTS. 



science — Embraces UmTersalism — Preaches in the market-house — Threat- 
ens to destroy himself — Blows his brains out with a horse-pistol — Bloody 
scene in an upper room Page 160 

CHAPTER XXI. 

WEST UNIOK CIRCUIT. 

Case of delirium tremens at R. — The appearance of the devil threb 
limes — The conflict the last night — The Bible a defensive weapon liter- 
aUy on that occasion — A scene in the Methodist Episcopal church — 
Strange recital by the alarmed inebriate — Continued to carry the Bible 
for a long time — Camp meeting — Great revival — Preaching at midnight — 
An imposing procession — Blowing of the trumpet — Alarm of the un- 
godly — Success of the meeting — Closing scene the next morning — Sketch 
of Ripley— Origin of Methodism— First class 15t 

CHAPTER XXII. 

SCIOTO CIKCUIT, 

Rev. John Collins preacher in charge — Members in West Union — ^Par 
sonage — Scioto and Brush Creek circuit records — Quarterly collections — 
H. B. Bascom recommended to annual conference — Steward's book of 
Scioto circuit— Preacher's salary 162 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

WHITE OAK CIRCUIT. 

Appointed to White Oak — Itilj feelings when commencing my work — 
Prayer in the rear of the church at F,— Preached the funeral of a Uni- 
versalist — Great revival at Mt. Zion, in the spring of 1837 — Rev. John 
Miley — Took our dinners at tbe church — Meeting continued ten days. 174 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN A SCHOOL-EOOM. 

Regular exercises suspended — Sentiments written by the young ladies — 
Happy conversion of a large majority of the pupils Itt 

CHAPTER XXV. 

CONVERSION OF A SCHOOL-TEACHER FROM TEEMONT. 

Prayer for the unconverted — My visit at G. — The power of truth- 
Awakening of Miss W. — The efficacy of a sister's prayers — Her wish to 
become a Methodist — Opposition of her friends — Public union with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church — Instrumental in converting others 180 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE TIMELY WARNING. 

Calvary meeting-house — Strange impressions while preaching — Power- 
ful strivings of the Holy Spirit — The effects resulting— A conversation of 



CONTENTS. 19 

a gentleman and lady at the close of sermon — Their mutual fear — His 
sudden death a few hours afterward — Her happy conversion and union 
with our Church — Noble conduct of a young man at Big Indian camp- 
ground — Farewell meeting at F. — Numbers in society — Rev. John W 
Clarke and his family Page 184 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

WEST CHESTER CIRCUIT I If 1837. 

Interview with brother Christie at Milford — Conflict at Sharon — Great 
victory — First sermon on West Chester — Happy frame of mind while 
preaching — Rev. J. J. HiU — Society at Montgomery 188 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

REVIVAL AT MONTGOMERY. 

Commencement of the work of God at Montgomery. — Conversion and 
union with the Church of a father, son, and two daughters — Strange con- 
duct of our enemies — Conversion of the leader of the band — Disorderly 
conduct — Arraigned hefore the civil authorities — Progress of the work in 
other places— Revival at Company Mills — The reconciliation — Numbers in 
society 193 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE merchant's DAUGHTER. 

Awakening of the daughter of a wealthy merchant — Conversation in 
love-feast — Opposition of her father — Forbidden to attend our Church — A 

great trial — Mr. threatened to whip me — Great excitement in the 

village — A visit to his store — The attack — The happy result — No blood 
shed — Substance of the conversation — Sounding a retreat 198 

CHAPTER XXX. 

THE merchant's DAUGHTER — CONTINUED. 

Attachment to R. — Conduct of the father — ^Manner of holding inter- 
course — Deaf and dumb alphabet — The disowned — Cruel treatment— De- 
parture from home — Subsequent marriage — Death of their first-born — Un- 
natural conduct — Her union with the Methodist Episcopal Church — Death 
of her mother 203 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

DEBATE ON U N I V E R S A L I S M . 

An interesting debate at New Richmond — Hon. David Fisher and Rev. 
Robert Smith—Rev. D. Parker, the restorationist — An amusing scene — 
Close of the debate — ^Victory of Mr. Fisher — A noble concession from Rev. 
Robert Smith 211 



20 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

SABBATH DESECKATIOi'. 

Morality of tlie Universalists — Sabbath, desecration at M. — Arrest of 
Mr. F.— Trial belore Mr. D.— The result— Boasting of Rev. R. Smith- 
Running the saw-mill at night — Strategy of my colleague — His success — 
Another trial of the offenders — The saw-mill stopped — Legal suasion suc- 
ceeds well occasionally — Destroying Bible — Singular manner of preparing 
for debate — Last account of Rev. Robert Smith — His renunciation of Uni- 
versalism Rage 218 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

FEAEFUL COX SEQUENCES OF OBSTINATELY EESISTINO 
THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

Awakening of a great sinner — His opposition to tbe Churcb — Persecu- 
tion of his wife— Subdued by tbe power of God — ^Offers himself for mem- 
bership — Looks back — The sequel 223 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

MY FIEST STATION. 

A good beginning — A joyful spirit — An unpleasant occurrence at a 
funeral — Happy New Year — Revival — "I wUl still go on" — Health de- 
clining — Answer to prayer — Sick-bed repentance — Danger of deception — ■ 
'* Laying aside the weights " — Joy cometh in the morning 227 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

PEACTICAL AMALGAMATION. 

A remarkable case of deception — Marriage ceremony from home — ^Prac- 
tical amalgamation — Thecheat discovered — Mystery unvailed — Divorce — 
Another case of the same kind — Departure of the husband — Hlness of his 
bride —Physician called — Her life in danger — Rebukes of conscience — 
How the deception was first developed — Long absence of the husband — 
Return and final separation of the parties 233 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

EASTERN CHARGE, WESLEY CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 

A visit to my mother — An afiecting incident at W. — Her last sickness 
and sudden death after my departure — Her burial at R. — Visit to her 
grave at twilight — My guardian angel — Last visit to her sepulcher — Beau- 
tiful poetry — Return to Cincinnati — The covenant — A great blessing — 
Room filled with the Divine glory — ^Rev. A. Carroll — Conversion of Mr. 
S 238 



CONTENTS. 



21 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

EXTRACTS FROM MY DIARY AT WESLEY CHAPEL. 

Happy frame of mind after tlie fifth of December, 1839 — Cloudless 
sky — Copious extracts from diary — An unction from the holy One~Grreat 
revival— Two hundred mourners— Watch-night — Temptation— Rev. J. N, 
Maffitt— Centenary mammoth love-feast at Wesley— Fifty-seven joined— 
One thousand communed at our sacrament— Funeral sermon of my 
mother, by Rev. J. M. Trimble — Beautiful extract Page 249 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

FUNERAL SERMON OF E. BRAGDON, M. D. 

Death of Dr. Bragdon, son in-law of Rev. John Collins — Requested to 
pi-each his funeral sermon at Salem — Dream on the night previous — Text 
selected by himself — Compelled to preach without preparation — Help in 
time of need— The happy results 254 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

MAFFITt's letters — A VISIT TO BALTIMORE. 

Letters from Maffitt at Maysville — A visit to Baltimore in 184:0 — Gen- 
eral conference — Traveling on Sabbath — A visit to my brother in the state 
of Delaware — Sanctified affliction — Return trip — Interesting letter from a 
Baltimorean — Sweet letter from an invalid minister 262 

CHAPTER XL. 

WESLEY CHAPEL — CLOSE OF MY FIRST YEAR. 

Close of the year — Severe sickness — Enjoyed much of the Divine good- 
ness — Farewell sermon — Five hundred admitted into full connection — 
Conference at Zanesville — Sermon from Bishop Hedding — Ordained ao 
elder, and returned to Wesley Chapel the second year with Rev. E. W. Se' 
hon, D. D., and Rev. Isaac Ebbert, D. D. 271 

CHAPTER XLI. 

WESLEY CHAPEL — SECOND YEAR. 

New- Year's resolutions — Revival at Wesley Chapel — Sermon from Pro- 
fessor Biggs — A visit to Goshen — Extract from diary, March 5, 1841 — Good 
meetings — Growth in grace — Visit to Urbana — Rev. W. B. Christie — Revi- 
val in progress — Hundreds converted — ^Calling the roll — Return to Cincin- 
nati — An impostor — Rev. John Hardy — The late General William Henry 
Harrison among the mourners — ^A thrilling scene 274 

CHAPTER XLII. 

WORTHINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY AND ASBURY ACADEMY. 

Agency for Worthington Female Seminary and Asbury Academy, at. Par« 
kersburg, western Virginia—Extracts from diary— Religious enjoyments-— 



22 



CONTENTS. 



Bishop "Waugh — Rev. Thomas Sargent, of Baltimore — Good love-feast at 
the capital — Rev. Joseph M. Trimble, D. D. — A visit to Parkersburg — ^Large 
subscription for Asbnry Academy — Return on the Ohio — Revival at Ports- 
mouth—Great Revival at Chillicothe— A touching incident — Isdac Cook, 
Esq. — His connection with the Church — A letter — Poetry — Sudden 
death Page 287 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

MY AGENCY — CONTIITUED. 

Revival at Circleville — Three hundred converted — Rev. Joseph H. 
Creighton — J. C. Bontecou, pastor — Great revival at Columbus — Religious 
influence in the Seminary — Marriage of Rev. D. P. Kidder, D. D., to the 
Principal, Miss Harrietta Smith — Miss Eveline Smith, (now Mrs. Lomis,) 
teacher of music — Success of my agency — Great revival at Newark, Ohio — 
Rev. Cyrus Brooks 298 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

VISIT TO THE DYIXG BED OF AX ITINERANT. 

Interesting conversation — Religious experience — Marked characteris- 
tics of Rev. 1. C. Hunter — Rev. M. Dustin's letter — Closing scene 301 

CHAPTER XLV. 

don't COME HEEE TO BEG. 

A truthful narrative — " Don't come here to beg "• — Epitaphs in an old 
graveyard • • 309 

CHAPTER XLYI. 

A VISIT TO THE SPRINGS IN VIRGINIA. 

Kanawha Salines — Burning Spring — Tomkin's Well nine hundred 
feet deep — Hawk's Nest — Blue Sulphur Springs — Chaplaincy — Sickness — 
Preaching — Lewisburg- Rer. B. H. Nadal—White Sulphur Springs — Two 
days' meeting — Sweet Springs — A pleasant retreat — ^An acquaintance 
from Ohio 312 

CHAPTER XLVII. 

JOYFUL D E L I V E E A N E . 

Great freshet — An affecting scene — Imminent peril of a brother and 
sister — Machine swept off by the flood in the night — Lashed to a tree- 
Excitement in the neighborhood— Unsuccessful efforts to rescue them — 
Painful suspense — ^Deliverance at last effected — Their great joy 316 

CHAPTER XLVIII. 

A WORD IN SEASON. 

A word fitly spoken — A heavy cross — ^A rich reward — Conversion of my 
young companion at the Springs — His happy state of mind — Correspond- 
ence 319 



CONTENTS 



23 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

OOirrERENCE AT HAMILTON — SUPER AKNUATIOK. 

Close of my agency — Generous offer of Mr. , at Columbus — William 

Neil, Esq. — Appointed to Columbus — Motion of Rev. William H. Raper — ■ 
Superannuated relation — Unwillingness to acquiesce — Return to Cincin- 
nati — Great revival at Ripley, Ohio — Temporary agency for Wortbington 
Female College — Church extension — Plan defeated — Started south — Trust 
in God— Peace as a river Page 32;-5 

CHAPTER L. 

THE SUNNY SOUTH. 

My southern visit — Sickness at Louisville — Kindness of Rev. H. H. Kav- 
anaugh — The Kentucky giant — Exercises of mind on the water — Cairo — 
Life-preserver — An affecting scene — Extracts from my diary — Last day of 
the year — Preaching on the steam-boat at the request of the passengers — 
New Orleans — First emotions — Rev. Curtis — Rev. William Nicholson — My 
first Sabbath in the Crescent City— Sacrament — A great blunder — Military 
parade — ^Poydrass-Street Methodist Episcopal Church 326 

CHAPTER LI. 

INCIDENTS AT NEW ORLEANS AND MOBILE. 

Harry Hill, Esq.— Conversation between Hon. Henry Clay and Rev. 
Theodore Clapp, at a dinner party, on the subject of experimental relig- 
ion — An amusing incident at the inauguration of Governor Moreton — 
Passage to Mobile on the steamer Fashion — Stormy night — Accident — Safe 
arrival in port — Dedication sermons by Rev. L. Pierce and Rev. E. W. Se- 
hon — Sermon by Dr. L. Pierce against Millerism^ — An unfortunate mis- 
take — Brandy at Sacrament — An argument in favor of the Maine law — 
"I shall die in my nest !" 334 

CHAPTER LII. 

THE RECOMPENSE. 

The consumptive— A stranger in a southern clime— Her last sickness — 
Her need of a Savior — Deep conviction for sin — Earnest supplication — 
Happy deliverance — Joyful departure — "It was you that pointed to the 
Savior"— The recompense— Return to New Orleans— Home to Cincin- 
nati — Labors and travels during the summer season — Conference at Chil- 
licothe 841 

CHAPTER LIII. 

GREENFIELD STATION, HIGHLAND COUNTY. 

Stone church — Injurious to my health — Brick aisles — Need of repair — 
obtained permission to commence the work — The sleepers much de- 
cayed — A new floor — Altar carpeted — Church reopened — A good revival — 



CONTENTS. 



Souls converted — Severe illness — Health very poor — Close of my labors — 
Numbers in society • 345 

CHAPTER LIV. 

HILLSBOKO, OHIO. 

My first year — Opening sermon, September 29, 1844: — A beart-warm 
welcome — Revival — Oakland Female Seminary — A prosperous year — 
Church repaired — My second year — Commenced labors September 28, 
1845 — Health poor — Erection of a new and elegant parsonage — Prayed 
much — Reproved by the Spirit — Was not disobedient to the heavenly 
vision — God blessed me in so doing — We had another prosperous year — 
*' A visit from the angels," or the first ripe fruits of Millerism in H. — 
Arrest of Mr. H. — Trial in court — His insanity established — A guardian 
appointed to manage his farm, etc. — The good resulting 349 

CHAPTER LV. 

A VISIT TO THE MILLEKITE T A B E B If A C L B . 

Delusion of Millerism — Large canvas tent — Millerite tabernacle in Cin 
cinnati — Time fixed — Last warning in the Midnight Cry, October 19, 
1844 — Extra Midnight Cry — "Behold, he cometh!"' — My visit and observa- 
tions on that exciting occasion — Report of some of the addresses — Time 
expired — The Red Sea — Miller's reproof to his followers •, 360 

CHAPTER LVI. 

TEMPTATIOir AND VICTOEY. 

A visit to Lexington — Quarterly meeting over — Strange emotions — A 
great desire to preach — An opportunity unexpectedly granted — A success- 
ful effort — Conversion of a sinner — The glory of God revealed — ^Victory — 
Happy frame of mind, and safe return to H. — Oakland Female Semi- 
nary — Its organization — Its success— Number of graduates — New edi- 
fice — Name changed to Hillsboro Female College — Rev. Joseph M'Dowell 
Mathews — His ministerial career and success as a teacher — Church 
South — Separation — Beautiful letter 364 

CHAPTER LVII. 

THE EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE. 

Terrible death by poison-— The contrast— Happy death of Mrs. Mc. — 
Her funeral obsequies— Large procession — The strange conduct of her 
husband — His untimely death by laudanum immediately after the fu- 
neral — His funeral the next morning — The contrast 371 

CHAPTER LVIII. 

BETHEL CHAPEL, THIRB WARD, CINCINNATI. 

The mission — Preaching-room — Cassilly's Row — First meeting after con- 
ference—An omen for good— Finishing and opening of t^e new church— 



CONTENT S. 



25 



Printed card of invitation to the Gospel feast — A revival — Large au- 
diences — Church, finished — A card of public acknowledgment to steam- 
boat captains — An amusing scene — Interruption during divine service — 
Missionary operations— A noble gift Page 378 

CHAPTER LIX. 

A VISIT TO THE ESCULAPIAN SPKINGS. 

Location of the Springs — By whom discovered — A lady ill of consump- 
tion — An old acquaintance — Religious exercises — Interesting experi- 



ence — Happy death — Last request 387 

CHAPTER LX. 

■WESLEYAN FEMALE COLLEGE — MY LAST AGENCY. 

Its origin — Organization — Stock plan — Charter — Agencies — ^Rev. P. B. 
Wilber — Prospects — ^Prosperity 393 

CHAPTER LXI. 

THE GKAVE OF KEY. WILLIAM B. CHRISTIE. 



A visit by moonlight — The monument — ^Its inscription — Recollections 
and painful emotions — Hope of the resurrection — ^Beautiful lines by Mrs. 
Catharine Walker 400 

CHAPTER LXII. 

MORRIS CHAPEL AND PARK- STREET. 

Appointed to Morris Chapel— Rev. William Herr, preacher in charge — 
Sermon in Morris Chapel on behalf of Park-Street — Text — Plan or out- 
lines of the sermon — Collection — Laying of the corner-stone — Speeches 
by Drs. Simpson and Teflft — A good collection — Cholera — Its ravages — 
Difficulties in the way of my success — Hard toiling — Donation of one 
hundred dollars, missionary money — Death of the donor soon afterward — 
Kindness of members of Morris Chapel — Marriage, May 1, 1849, at Day- 



ton — Joys and sorrows — ^Life a mixed scene 406 

CHAPTER LXIII. 

A WARNING TO BACKSLIDERS. 

Interesting correspondence — ^Letter I — Letter H — Letter HI 416 

CHAPTER LXIV. 



COLUMBIA-STREET CHARGE, SPRINGFIELD, 

Springfield station — Opening sermon — Sheep scattered — Sermon from 
Psalm Ixxxviii, 14 — Sinners awakened — A gracious revival — Health de- 
clines in the spring — Attended the anniversary of the Sabbath School 
Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cincinnati — Taken violently 
sick — Unable to return home for more than two weeks — Returned to the 
station a second year — Success attending the first effort — Another glorious 



26 



CON TENTS. 



revival — Prepared and published tlie "Ohio Conference Offering" — A visit 
to Detroit — Preached at Monroe during the session of the Michigan con- 
ference—Last session of the old Ohio conference, held at Springfield my 
last year — The Cincinnati conference — Its boundaries, etc. — Death of 
brother , — His baptism — Address to his wife, etc. Page 426 

CHAPTER LXV. 

SPKIXGFIELD, 

Its first settlement — First sermon in a tavern — Organization of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church — First church edifice, 1814 — Second church— 
High-Street Methodist Episcopal Church — Female College and Springfield 
High School — Teachers — Beautiful location — Fine college buildings — 
Prosperity and future prospects — Jesus the foundation of my hope — The 
philosophic Doctor excited — Ahatless mourner, etc. 430 

CHAPTER LXVI. 

PIQUA STATION, MIAMI COUNTY. 

Painful sense of physical inability — Spitting blood daily — Kind recep- 
tion — First quarterly meeting — Good prospect — Gradual ingathering — 
Watch-night — Sermon at midnight — A solemn scene — Close of the year — 
Reading the Scriptures — Happy deaths — Flourishing Sabbath school- 
Congregations large and attentive during the summer — Close of the con- 
ference year — A good missionary collection — Attended conference at 
Xenia — Returned to Piqua -with Rev. W. J. Thurber as my colleague • 436 

CHAPTER LXVII. 

NEVEE GO AWAY WITHOUT PKAYER. 

A consistent life — Holiness professed and enjoyed — God glorified— 
"Firm! firm! firm in the Lord !" 440 

CHAPTER LXVIII. 

"not YET, SIE." 

The death-bed of a professed infidel — Deep interest manifested by his 
friends for his conversion — Confession — Interview — Strange conduct of 
the wife — Last prayer — His death 443 

CHAPTER LXIX. 

MY LAST CHAEGE — PIQUA STATION, SECOND YEAR. 

A good commencement — New church enterprise — Discouragements — 
Trial of faith — "What art thou, great mountain? before Zerubbabel 
thou shalt become a plain " — Dangerous illness — A remarkable vision — 
Its happy effects on my mind — Sermon from a visiting brother on Christ- 
mas — ^Disappointment in the evening — Obliged to preach without prepara- 
tion — Overruled for good — Preached twice the same night — God blessed 
his word— Faith of the Church increased 447 



CONTENTS. 



27 



CHAPTER LXX. 

FUNEBAL OF A PIOUS YOUNG LADY. 

Funeral sermon — Text, "What are these arrayed in white robes? and 
whence came they?" — Incidents of her life — Happy experience — Tri- 
umphant death ? Page 454 

CHAPTER LXXI. 

WATCH-NIGHT AND SECOND QUAETEELY MEETING. 

A good watch-night meeting — Second quarterly meeting commenced 
the day following — Outlines of my sermon at night, on 1 Corinthians xv, 
58 — Exhortation by brother Meharry — Mourners at the altar — Signs of a 
powerful revival — Rev. W. H. Lawder and Rev. Callender present — Work 
progresses every day — ^Hundreds converted to God — Singular mode of in- 
viting penitents to the altar — Three hundred added in the mouth of Jan- 



uary- 



457 



CHAPTER LXXII. 

REVIVAL INCIDENTS — A LOVELY SCENE. 

Baptism — Communion-season — Meeting of the young converts alone — 
An overpowering scene • 461 

CHAPTER LXXIII. 

BEVIVAL INCIDENTS — CONTINUED. 

Dedication of the new church — Last sermons preached in Piqua — A 
visit to New York and Brattleboro — Return to conference at H. — Farewell 
to my brethren — "My last charge " — Letter to Dr. Elliott 465 

CHAPTER LXXIV. 

CITY OF PIQUA. 

Piqua City — Origin of Methodism— Names of the first class— Letter 
from Col. John M'Lean — Subscription-paper to build the first chxirch in 
Piqua — Numbers in society in 1824 — Address of a pioneer lady to her sis- 
ters on Miami circuit — Original letter of Rev. Moses Crume — Autograph 
letter of Rev. James M'Gready, Logan county, Kentucky, 1804 — Colonel 
M'Lean 469 

CHAPTER LXXV. 

EX-GOV. TEIMBLE AND THE THIEF. 

"I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging 
bread " — Robbery of Cottinger — Singular detection of the thief— His cap- 
ture by the Governor — ^Imprisonment — Singular escapfr^An old man in 
distress— Mystery solved . • , - 483 



28 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER LXXVI. 

A TEIP ALOKG THE BOEDERS OF MY SECOND CIECUIT. 

Interesting reminiscences — North- we stern territory — ^Rev. Geo. Brown- 
Origin of circuits — Old preaching-places — Description of backwoods life — 
Rev. B. Lakin, a pioneer — Hopewell meeting-house — Minutes of old Mi- 
ami circuit 489 

CHAPTER LXXVII. 

HEKEOX's SE3IINAET. 

Mr. Herron's early life— His success as a teacher — His connection with 
the common schools of Cincinnati — Professor in Cincinnati College — Open- 
ing of a private seminary — Present condition and prospects of said Semi- 
nary — Corps of instructors — Character as a Christian — Ohio Wesleyan Fe- 
male College, Delaimre — Eligibility of the site — Advantages of such a loca- 
tion from its connection with the University — Purchase of grounds — Arti- 
cles of Association — Terms and vacations — Rev. C. D. Burritt, of Oneida 
conference, Principal 502 

CHAPTER LXXVIII. 

OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVEESITY. 

Action of the Ohio conference in regard to the proposition of the citi- 
zens of Delaware in reference to the Sulphur Springs property — Dr. Elli- 
ott's report — Appointment of a board of commissioners — Relation of the 
Church at that time to the cause of education — Organization of a board 
of instruction — Zeal of Methodist preachers — Present prosperous condi- 
tion of the University — ^Professor Merrick's graphic description — ^Fac- 
ulty — Terms and vacations 608 

• CHAPTER LXXIX. 

METHODISM IN DAYTON. 

Location of the town — Arrival of the first families in 1796 — Organiza- 
tion of Montgomery county— Erection of a Presbyterian church— Extracts 
from the old Register of the Methodist Episcopal Church— Preface to the 
Stewards* Book — Preaching in private houses — Bishop Asbury — ^Preachers 
appointed to Mad River circuit — Extracts from the journal of Rev. John 
Kobler — Subscriptions for the erection of a church — Appointment of trus- 
tees — Erection of a new house of worship — An additional church — Subse- 
quently supplied by a new one — Third Methodist church in Dayton — 
Erection of a new edifice on the site of the old one 517 

CHAPTER LXXX. 

OBIGIN OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN 
URBAN A. 

One of the strongholds of our western Zion — First pioneer preacher — 
Organization of class — Erection of a log church — Methodism the pioneer 



CONTENTS. 



29 



religion — Characteristics of Methodism — Erection of a new churcli — ^In- 
teresting reminiscences — Progress in chLurch building — Urbana station a 
favorite appointment — Organization of a new charge Page 532 

CHAPTER LXXXI. 

XENIA FEMALE SEMINAKY AND COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE. 

Enterprise of the citizens of Xenia — Origin of Methodism in Green 
county — Opposition — Success — Educational interests — Other denomina- 
tions — Transfer of the Seminary to the Cincinnati conference — Seminary 
edifice and Boarding Hall — Corps of instructors— Number of pupils — Ad- 
vantages enjoyed by the Church for education 535 

CHAPTER LXXXII. 

CONCLUS ION. 

Aggressive spirit of Methodism — Moral conflict — Resources of the 
Church in Ohio — Missions — Boussard, the pilot — Bonaparte's visit 
across the desert to Egypt — Thrilling incident — The good time com- 
ing 640 



FOOT-PRIOTS OF AN ITMERANT. 



CHAPTEE I. 

NATIVITY — EMIGRATION — GRAVES OF OUR 
HOUSEHOLD. 

I WAS born in Lancaster county, state of Pennsylvania, 
in the vicinity of the town of Lancaster, September 9, 
1811. My parents were both natives of Ireland, and were 
born in the county of Down, province of Ulster. My 
father, Kobert Gaddis, was married to Miss Mary Ann 
Frazier, in the yesiV of our Lord one thousand seven hun- 
dred and eighty-nine. I was the youngest child. My 
parents had thirteen children, ten boys and three girls. 
Five of my brothers and two sisters were born in Ireland, 
two of whom died in infancy and were buried in Ireland. 

My parents embarked on the ship Stafford, which sailed 
from Warren's Point, May 10, 1801. The vessel was 
crowded with emigrants; and, unfortunately, either from 
the ignorance or neglect of the commander and pilot, 
sailed out of her regular course. In consequence of this 
unexpected detention, her '^provision stores" and supply 
of "fresh water" were both nearly exhausted a long time 
before her arrival in port. The crew and passengers 
were all on ^' short allowance" for several weeks before 
they heard the joyful sound of "land ahead." This was, 
no doubt, the primary cause of much physical suffering 
among the unfortunate passengers. And to make their 
situation still more distressing, the Stafford was visited 
with a fatal malady. The yellow fever and bloody flux 



32 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



raged among all classes on board with fearful malignity. 
Two of my little brothers fell early victims to the flux, 
which raged with great virulence among the children. 
The eldest was three years and the youngest only twelve 
months old. As there was only a few hours difference 
in the period of their deatbs, they were both buried at 
the same time. This was a heavy stroke upon my dear 
mother. During her whole lifetime I have no recollec- 
tion that I ever heard her speak of their last sickness 
and gloomy '■^'burial at sea,'' without shedding tears 
Eor a short season her agony was almost insupportable. 
She thought that she would not be able to endure the 
mournful sight of seeing her beloved ones cast into the 
deep sea, to become food for the voracious sharks, which 
were daily seen following in the ship's wake. But the 
solemn hour at length arrived, and the "innocents,'' with 
bags of sand tied to their little feet, were cast into the 
deep, deep, blue sea ! 0, who can portray the anguish of 
a mother's heart at a moment like this? I have often 
heard my mother recall this sad event to mind in the 
family circle. It was to her a mysterious dispensation, 
that she never was able to comprehend. The picture of 
that awful scene, with its terrible imaginings, seemed to 
lay heavy upon her heart till she died. I have frequently 
heard her remark that it was the most bitter cup Provi- 
dence ever presented to her lips. 

After a perilous voyage of nearly thirteen weeks, thej 
cast anchor in the Delaware river, some time in the month 
of August. Not long afterward, my parents located on a 
small farm in Delaware. Here Grod called them to part 
with another one of their tender offspring; a twin babe, 
only a few months old. My parents moved from thence 
into Pennsylvania, and in 1817 emigrated to Ohio. They 
now lie side by side in the old burying-ground of Kipley, 
on the banks of the La Belle Riviere. My eldest sister 



GRAVES OF OUR HOUSEHOLD. 



33 



moved to Indiana, and raised a large family. Herself and 
husband died a few years ago of typhoid fever on the 
same day, and are buried in the same grave, on the 
waters of the Misschututuck, in Scott county. Eight of 
our household are now numbered with the dead, and 
widely severed in their places of repose — two in the 
Emerald Isle," and two more beneath the blue waves 
of the Atlantic; one on the banks of the Delaware, in 
the east, and another in the west, while the remains of 
my beloved parents rest in Ohio. 

While stationed at H., in preaching a sermon on the 
^^resurrection of the dead," I alluded to the above facts, 
and rejoiced in the hope of meeting them all again in 
glory. A young lady of fine poetical talents was there on 
a visit. Soon after her return home to W., she composed 
and sent me the following beautiful and descriptive lines 
on the ^^burial-place" of my parents, four brothers, and 
two sisters : 

THE GKAVES OF A HOUSEHOLD. 

BY MISS M. C. D. 

Peace, peace to her slumbers ! She, too, is at rest 

Where her heart shall know sorrow no more ; 
We have placed, sadly placed the green turf on her breast 

As we placed it on others before ! 
Yet, afar are the graves of our dear kindred band, 

And the soft tear of sorrow we shed 
As our thoughts onward fly to a far-distant land, 

Where slumber our earliest dead. 

0, green isle of Erin ! thou emerald isle. 

To our hearts is thy memory dear. 
Though the lip has left off its accustomed smile, 

And the eye has since gathered the tear ! 
We have treasured a thousand remembered ties— 

We have gazed on thy skies of blue — 
We have thought of thy children's affectionate eyes, 

And their high deeds of daring, too ! 

say, does a footstep e'er linger in love, 

Or a kind hand e'er scatter the flowers — 
Do the stars look lovingly from above 

On those far-distant graves of ours ? 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



They are ours forever, tiiougli years have passed by 

Since we gazed on that island of green : 
They are ours forever, though many and high 

Are the waves that roll darkly between. 

0, sad was the day when we bade thee adieu, 

Where our kindred yet tranquilly sleep, 
When over the waters the gallant ship flew. 

As if proud of her home on the deep : 
Yet our hearts, as we thought of those desolate graves, 

Still sadder and heavier grew, 
When beneath us Avas naught but an ocean of waves, 

And around us a heaven of blue. 

Few days had passed by and we stood on the deck, 

When the daylight's first blushes are born; 
Above us in heaven, not even a speck 

Disturbed the calm beauty of morn ; 
Yet sadly we gazed on the heaven of blue, 

And mournfully down in the deep. 
As on like a sea-bird the buoyant ship flew, 

Scarce rousing the waves from their sleep. 

J'or death was among us — the young and the gay 

Lay down in their beauty and died; 
And we grieved that the ocean should name them her prey, 

As they peacefully slept side by side. 
But the plunges that followed the coffins that sped 

Far down in the depths of the sea, 
Will haunt us forever, like ghosts of the dead, 

Wherever our wanderings may be. 

Green fields ! ye numbered our earliest graves, 

As ye witnessed our earliest woes. 
And within your far depths, magnificent waves, 

As many more sadly repose ! 
But the murmuring streams of the wide-spreading west, 

Have mingled our griefs with their own, 
And we placed, like sad exiles, the turf on their breast, 

And left them to slumber alone ! 

The dead of a household! O separate far 

Do the loved of our household repose I 
Yet, hope o'er those graves, like the light of a star, 

Its beam of soft radiance throws ! 
We know not how long till the dawn of that day. 

When the dead shall be with us again; 
But we know that the ocean shall yield up his prey. 

And the earth strive to hold hers in vain I 



ARLY LIFE. 



S5 



CHAPTER II. 

INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH MY EARLY LIFE 

In the year 1803 my father left the state of Delaware, 
and moved into the state of Pennsylvania, During the 
late war with Great Britain, my oldest brother ^' volun- 
teered/' and attached himself to the army of the United 
States, August 13, 1812. This was a source of great 
unhappiness to my parents, especially to my mother, who 
used all the means in her power to prevent it. He first 
served as a private in Captain M. Swett's United States 
corps of Artillery, for two years, and then served three 
years in a company of United States Light Dragoons. 
He was engaged in many severe battles, and was twice 
wounded during the war; first, by a cannon-ball, in the 
muscle of the right thigh, and afterward on the right foot, 
by the sword of a British officer, during a desperate ren- 
counter. After serving out his time — with honor, as his 
papers will show — he was discharged from the service of 
the army of the United States, on the third day of Oc- 
tober, 1817. This was done at the headquarters of the 
military department, on Long Island. His parchments 
are signed by John Biddle, Assistant Inspector General, 
and certified as a correct copy of the original by Isaac 
Warrell, acting Justice of the Peace at Philadelphia, Oc- 
tober 28 1817. 

It would be impossible to portray the feelings of my 
mother, at this trying moment. In the providence of 
God she was unexpectedly called to part with her first- 
born, to fight the battles of his newly-adopted country. 
He had long been the idol of her heart. The thought of 
separation was painful ; beyond the power of language to 
describe. The much-dreaded moment at length arrived. 



36 rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

Mounted upon his horse, beautifully clad in military 
style, she follows him to the gate leading directly into 
the highway. He halts for a moment ; dismounts from 
his prancing steed, while the tears are flowing freely 
Not a word is spoken, as the parting kiss of affection is 
given. An audible prayer is offered: God •bless my 
dear child, and return him in honor and safety to a 
mother's fond embrace again V The last sad farewell is 
spoken, and soon his manly form is borne beyond the 
sight of her eyes, but not without the circle of a mother's 
prayers. Upon that spot, already consecrated by parental 
tears, she kneeled in fervent prayer, to commend him to 
the care of her heavenly Father, and then returned to 
comfort a weeping household. the bitterness of such 
a parting ! What days of gloom and nights of agony are 
to succeed it, Grod only knows. 

In boyhood's days I have often listened to the heart- 
rending recital of my mother's woes and anguish of spirit^ 
while my brother was exposed to danger in the army. 
Sometimes sleep would depart from her eyes; at other 
times, in "visions of the night,'' she would share his 
toils and rejoice in his victories. When the toils of the 
day were over, and the children asleep, it was her custom 
to retire, under the cover of night, to the place of sepa- 
ration, to ^^weep alone" — to spend an hour in prayer for 
the safety of her beloved son. This she never omitted, 
when her health and the state of the weather would allow. 
More than four years of such painful watchings and anx- 
ious care stole the fire from her eye and the rose from her 
cheek. How inscrutable are the ways of Providence ! In 
the spring of 1817 my parents removed to Ohio. My 
brother was dismissed from the army in the fall of the 
same year, and, returning to Frankford and not finding 
my parents, he married and settled in the state of 
Delaware, and remained there till after the death of my 



EARLY LIFE. 



37 



mother. She always greatly desired to see him once 
more, but was not permitted. She never ceased to re- 
member him at the throne of grace, while living, and 
died in the fullest confidence of meeting him and all her 
children in heaven, 

*' Where care awakes no lingering groan, 
And grief no agony." 

I have no remembrance of the time when I was without 
religious emotions ; I always wanted to be a Christian, to 
serve the ''God of my fathers" from the days of my 
childhood. I have no recollection of ever using profane 
language but once, and then I was awfully afraid I would 
sink down to hell. The "day of judgment'^ filled my 
young mind with great dread ; I could never hear it 
mentioned without ofi"ering up a sincere prayer, that I 
might be prepared to meet it with joy. These convictions 
were strengthened every year by some very remarkable 
providences of God toward me. I made many wonderful 
escapes from sudden death when a child, and some when 
nearly grown to manhood. I feel it my duty to refer to 
some of them, simply with the view to show how God 
" careth for us." When about nine years of age, I made 
a very remarkable escape. In company with my brother 
William, I was walking leisurely through a new corn-field, 
looking at the beautiful pumpkins which were now nearly 
grown to full size. On approaching the fence near a 
deep hollow, where the soil was lich and the vines of 
luxuriant growth, I espied under the edge of a large leaf, 
what I supposed to be a pumpkin of a peculiar form, 
with most singular spots, that looked very beautiful in the 
rays of the sun. I sprang forward and seized it with 
botn hands, and was about to lift it from the ground, 
when, to my surprise, it proved a living reptile, and 
instantly uncoiling itself, it shook its tail, which made a 



38 



FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



sharp rattling sound that almost frightened me out of my 
senses. Letting go it with a scream^ I sprang down the 
hill, and ran as fast as I could for some distance. My 
brother followed me, and we returned together to the 
house and told all that had happened. At first the family 
were incredulous, but on my saying that I could point 
out the very spot, my brother Samuel resolved to go and 
make war with the strange reptile. He then went out 
into the woods and cut a hickory pole about eight feet 
long, sufficiently flexible. TTe then started through the 
field, carefully watching our footsteps, till at length we 
came to the place, and my brother stealthily approached, 
and struck it more than twenty times before it ceased to 
jump and rattle its tail. He brought it to the house. 
No one of the family knew what to call it. We sent over 
for one of our near neighbors, who, when he came, in- 
formed us that it was a rattle-snake, whose bite was 
almost instant death. It had eight or nine '^rattles," 
and measured about seven feet in length. I shudder 
even now when I think of the danger to which I was 
then exposed; and ever and anon, as the scene comes up 
before me, my heart swells with gratitude to my gracious 
Deliverer. At one time my face was within about twelve 
inches of the fangs of this deadly serpent. Another 
moment, had I remained within reach of those fangs, my 
life would have been cut off suddenly in the morning of 
my days. When Grod protects, we walk unharmed "on 
snares and death." When only about twelve years of 
age, I was assisting two elder brothers to procure some 
fire-wood. We lived on the bank of a creek, and just 
above the house was a high hill from which the wood was 
generally dragged with two horses and a log chain. I 
rode the near horse while engaged in dragging the wood 
down the-hill side. On one occasion I did not turn the 
teajA straight down the hill, and the log commrnced roll- 



EARLY LIFE. 



39 



ing. My brothers called to me to dismount immediately, 
but it was too late. The chain twisted up, and both of 
the horses fell and rolled over me down the hill about 
two rods. My brothers screamed aloud for help. They 
all thought that I was crushed to death. But, thanks 
to a kind Providence! I was only slightly injured 
in my right hand and arm. The " angels mercifully 
preserved my life. They were most certainly near at 
hand. At another time, while attending school, one of 
my brothers was engaged in hauling wood with a yoke of 
oxen and two horses. In the mornings on my way to 
school, I often asked the privilege of driving the wagon 
for him. On one occasion he left me in charge of his 
team, and passed on before to attend to some business in 
town. Not long after he left me I stopped the team for 
the purpose of washing my hands in the mill race, a short 
distance from the town. When I returned to the team I 
took hold of the lines, and was about to take my seat on 
the wagon tongue just behind the oxen, the usual seat 
for the driver in managing a team of that description. 
While in the act of sitting down something alarmed the 
off ox, and he jumped round to the left, which caused the 
tongue of the wagon to strike me, and in a moment I fell 
backward over the tongue of the wagon upon the ground. 
This frightened the horses, and the team moved forward 
several rods. The fore wheel of the wagon passed over 
my chest, a little below my arms. I turned over between 
the fore and hind wheels, and made an effort to extricate 
my body, but without success. The hind wheel also p§LSsed 
over my body, and slightly bruised my right thigh. How 
strange to relate, I was but slightly injured ! I was able 
to ride home in the wagon, and soon resumed my studies 
again. The wagon contained more than a cord of green 
wood — a weight sufficient to have ground me to pieces. 
Whose hand upheld the ponderous load ? Who delivered 



40 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINEEANT. 

me from so yiolent a death ? Was I not rescued by the 
special interposition of a most benignant Providence? 

** Angels, where'er we go, attend 
Our steps, whate'er betide ; 
TVith wat<;hful care their charge defend, 
And evil turn aside." 

Another remarkable instance of the protecting care ot 
God I experienced only a short time bofore I commenced 
my ministry. While residing at Brush Creek Forge, I 
started to the town of W. on horseback. On my way^ 
while I was riding rapidly along the bank of Soldier 
Eun, I noticed a path near the edge of the creek- bank, 
which my horse seemed much inclined to take. As the 
road was muddy I favored his wishes, and traveled for 
several rods in a brisk trot near the edge of the bank. 
The ground was soft, and on a sudden my horse's feet 
slipped, and he fell over the bank into the creek below 
on his back, crushing my saddle nearly to pieces. Just 
as he was in the act of going over the bank I disengaged 
my feet from the stirrups, placed both my hands on the 
pommel of the saddle, and leaped back into the road on 
my hands and knees with the most surprising activity 
and power, thus escaping without harm. 



CHAPTER III. 

SCHOOL-TEACHING. 

My parents were anxious to give to each one of their 
sons the advantages resulting from a good education; 
but it was difficult, in a sparsely-settled country, to give 
them all even a good English education. My dear mother 
took a very special interest in my own mental training, 
because I had inherited a feeble constitution. She knew 



SCHOOL-TEACHING. 



41 



well that I would never possess very strong physical pow- 
ers. She was often devising " ways and means to'favor 
her own wishes in securing to me an education while 
young. She frequently prevailed on father to send me to 
school in summer, when my little services were most 
needed at home, on the farm. The school-teacher seldom 
left my father's house, when soliciting pupils, without the 
promise of one scholar, at least for a small fraction of the 
term. She would often remark that a "good education" 
would be of more value to me than gold and silver; I 
could then provide for my temporal wants, and make my- 
self useful in society. 

Through her indefatigable exertions, notwithstanding 
my feeble health and the disadvantageous circumstances 
surrounding me, I was, on examination, pronounced com- 
petent to take charge of any one of our common schools, 
before I had entered my sixteenth year. However, long 
previous to this period, I learned that it would be neces- 
sary for me to support myself by my own exertions. 

I shall never forget my first effort at school -teaching. 
I had just entered my fifteenth year. I commenced in 
an old waste-house, down in a deep "hollow glen." I 
there collected from the neighborhood a few boys and 
girls, during the latter part of summer, and instructed 
them in " reading, writing, and arithmetic," for the sum 
of two dollars a scholar for the term of three months. 
The next summer I traveled over thirty miles distant, on 
foot, and after being duly examined in the town of H., 
received license to teach a "common school" in the 
neighborhood, about twenty-four miles from the residence 
of my parents. In the year 1828 I was again licensed, 
by the Kev. John Rankin, examiner of common schools 
for the county of B.; and in 1829 by Rev. Thomas Wil- 
liamson, M. D., of the town of R. 

By pursuing this course, I obtained means to enter col- 
4 



42 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

lege in 1830 ; but before the close of my first collegiate 
year, I was compelled to desist altogether, for a time, 
from my studies, in consequence of ill health. This has 
always been to me a source of deep regret. In 1832-8 
I was engaged in mercantile pursuits; in 1834-5, as a 
book-keeper at the Ohio B. C. Forge. 

At one time I had charge of a very large school in the 
country. In this school I found many unruly boys and 
young men who were hard to govern. I was young and 
inexperienced, and often at a great loss to know what 
course to pursue. I prayed much in secret, and the Lord 
was pleased to help me in my daily duties. I at length 
concluded to pray night and morning in my school-room, 
with the scholars. I found this was the best means to 
govern them — the " fear of the Lord." 

At one time I taught a select school on Eagle creek, a 
short distance from " Grlen Cottage," the residence of the 
father of the late Bishop Bascom. Among my pupils 
were James, Samuel, and Hannah Houk Bascom, the 
youngest children of father Bascom. My stay in this 
neighborhood was pleasant and profitable to my soul. 

The next winter I taught in an adjoining district. 
During the holidays the scholars " barred me out," as 
it was called in that day, and resolved to compel me to 

treat" them to three bushels of apples and a keg of 
good cider. This was an amusing scene. On going to 
the old log house, I found the doors and windows all 
closed and '^barred" with the long benches. I asked ad- 
mission, but was refused. In a few minutes I was handed 
a paper, stating the terms upon which they would open 
the door for my reception. I replied that it was no part 
of my contract to feed my scholars on apples and cider. 
At this they all laughed most heartily, and replied that 
it was a matter of no consideration with them whether 
I had " agreed " to do so, or not ; they were determined 



SCHOOL-TEACHING. 



43 



to 2oerce me to a " treat before I entered that school- 
house. I then turned round and started off. There — 
there!'' cried one, from within, "look out! he is coming 
down the chimney.^' I thought they need give them- 
selves no uneasiness on that score, as the red flame was 
rising some six feet or more above the top of it. I re- 
solved to leave them in undisputed possession of the 
house and premises, and started for home. I had not 
proceeded far, however, when they opened the doors and 
started after me, like a pack of well-trained bloodhounds. 
I took refuge at the nearest house, but they soon entered 
the door-yard, and demanded that I should be given up. 
Mrs. W. then went to the door and remarked that her 
house was " free for the scholars, as well as their teacher.'' 
At this they gave her three cheers, and then some of 
the largest boys came in with a long rope, and declared 
that, unless I complied with their wishes, they would tie 
me hand and foot and carry me back to the school-house, 
and keep me there till I surrendered. I placed myself 
behind the back of a chair, and showed signs of defense 
that kept them at bay for more than one hour. I was 
excited, and determined that I would not yield, let the 
consequences be what they should. At this crisis some 
of my patrons came along and acted the noble part of 
mediators. A compromise was effected by procuring them 
some apples, without the cider, which, with a recess, the 
balance of that day, gave general satisfaction to the small 
children, as well as the larger ones, who made them- 
selves merry over the affair the balance of the term. 

In this school I often exhorted the larger pupils to 
Assist me in keeping good order among the smaller and 
more refractory scholars. This plan worked admirably. 
At times I had between sixty and seventy scholars, and 
but few books to classify them with, which made the 
profession of teaching much more laborious than at the 



4:4: FOOT-PEINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

present time. While teaching in the town of E., 
Rev. William H. Lawder made his first effort at exhorta- 
tion to the pupils of my school^ in 1831. I had some 
happy seasons in recommending religion to my scholars ; 
and after I entered the ministry, I generally availed my- 
self of every suitable opportunity to visit the schools 
within the hounds of my circuit, or station, and say a few 
words to the children upon the subject of early piety. 

My dear mother not only manifested an interest in my 
mental improvement, but evinced a still deeper solici- 
tude for my spiritual welfare. She had endeavored, by 
precept and example, to influence her children to walk 
with her in the '^ways of wisdom.'^ It was her daily 
custom to pray for all her children in secret, two and 
sometimes three times each day. When she would retire 
to pray in secret, she would often cause me to accompany 
her, and then pray to God to make me early in life the 
subject of converting grace, and if it was his will, to call 
me to the work of the ministry. I can even now recall to 
mind seasons when I was made the subject of special 
prayer and most affectionate importunity. Frequently 
when father would be offering up the morning and even- 
ing sacrifice, mother would come softly and kneel by 
my side and bathe my youthful neck with her tears, and 
pray to God to give me a " new heart before the '^eviJ 
days should come, and the years draw nigh in which I 
could take no pleasure.'' She taught me to reverence 
the Sabbath, to love the Holy Bible, and to pray at least 
twice each day. She was a charming singer, and taught 
me when but a child to sing many of Mr. Wesle/s most 
beautiful hymns. 

well do I remember those 
Whose tones no more I hear, 
Who round the hearth-stone used to close, 
After the evening prayer*" 



METHODIST CAMP MEETING. 



45 



CHAPTER IV. 

METHODIST CAMP MEETING. 

About twelve months prior to the removal of my 
father's family to this state, an almost entire revolution 
was effected in the religious sentiments of several mem- 
bers of the household. My parents and grandparents 
were educated according to the strictest sect'' of the 
Seceders, a respectable body of Christians still quite nu- 
merous in Ireland and Scotland. They hold the rigid 
dogmas of the Calvinistic school with great pertinacity. 
Originally they were austere in their manners^ and very 
rigid in their Church discipline. It is said that when 
Greorge Whitefield visited Scotland, he was solemnly rep- 
robated by them, because he refused to confine his labors 
wholly to them. The reason assigned for this monopoly 
of the labors of this eloquent divine, was that they were 
exclusively ^^Grod's people I" Mr. Whitefield replied they 
had therefore less need of his services, for his aim was 
to turn sinners to righteousness by preaching to them the 
glad tidings of salvation. At an early period of their 
history, they had little or no fellowship with other denom- 
inations, and less charity for professing Christians gener- 
ally. Their prejudices were strong against the people 
called Methodists. My father and mother, and also their 
children, had what is technically called '^a birthright 
membership'' in the Seceder Church. From childhood 
in their native land, they had been taught to regard the 
Methodists as poor, deluded fanatics. In this country, 
my parents could not look upon them with any degree of 
toleration. But, like many even at this day, although 
entirely ignorant of their sentiments and peculiar usages, 
they seemed to take delight in persecuting them. My 



46 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

motlier "verily thouglit she was doing God service," 
when she taught her children to shun them upon all 
occasions. My venerated father, at that time, was also 
true to his own Church principles of exclusiveness. I do 
no injustice to his memory, or to the Church of which 
he was a member, to record here that at one period of 
his life he was at a loss to know which was really the 
greatest crime, to hear the Methodists preach, or to sing 
Dr. Watts's hymns. Indeed, he was often heard to thank 
G-od most devoutly that he had never been guilty of sing- 
ing the hymns of Doctor Watts, or of Charles and John 
Wesley. But now let us trace the workings of a myste- 
rious Providence. In the year 1816 a Methodist camp 
meeting was appointed contiguous to the residence of my 
father. This was a source of great grief to my parent? 
and the members of the Seceder Church, who had a re- 
spectable society in that region of country at that time. 
As the period for holding this meeting in the grove'' 
approached, my brother John became very anxious to 
attend. After much importunity, he finally succeeded 
in obtaining the consent of my parents. He started to 
the meeting early on Saturday morning, with strict in- 
junctions to return at an early hour the same evening, so 
as to accompany the family to their own Church on the 
following Sabbath. 

My brother was prompted to go simply from a love of 
novelty. He had long desired to witness with his own 
eyes the peculiar mode of worship and movements of this 
strange sect, now every- where spoken against.'' He 
was not willing to let so favorable an opportunity pass by 
unimproved. But 0, what condescending grace is often 
manifested to such poor, deluded sinners ! Although ^^he 
went to scoff, he remained to pray." Under the preach- 
ing of the first sermon, he was cut to the heart," and 
that same evening constrained by the Spirit of God to go 



METHODIST CAMP MEETING. 47 

to the •^mourners' bench." He cried out; as did one of 
old, JesuS; thou Son of David, have mercy on me." He 
did not cry in vain. Early that same night he found 
peace in believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. His cup 
of rejoicing was full, and, like Saul, he continued among 
the prophets shouting and praising Grod for giving him 
^'another heart." Such was the ecstasy of his new-born 
soul," that he entirely forgot the promise made to his 
parents, to return home on Saturday night. The Lord 
had spread a table in the wilderness, "sl feast of fat 
things." ^^Men did eat angels' food." '^As the apple- 
tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among 
the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great de- 
light, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought 
me to the banqueting-house, and his banner over me was 
love." This was the experience of my brother on that 
occasion. He could not consent to return home; he felt 

" Loth to leave the place 
Where Jesus shows his smiling face." 

The Sabbath dawned and found him in the midst of 
the young converts, engaged as a missionary for his 
Redeemer, 

" Telling to pinners round 
What a dear Savior he had found." 

The intelligence was soon conveyed to the residence 
of my father, by one of the nearest neighbors, whose son 
had accompanied my brother to the encampment. The 
news at first was like an "idle tale." Father would not 
credit the strange announcement that his son John had 
joined the Methodists, and professed to be converted. 
He also stated that he knew my brother had been too 
well educated to join the fanatical society of Methodists 
in that neighborhood. However, soon after the depart- 
ure of the messenger who had brought this unwelcome 
news, he became uneasy, and finally concluded to go to 



48 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

ihe^ camp-ground and inquire into this strange affair. 
He requested Mr. Arderj^ my brother-in-law, a member 
of the Baptist Church, to accompany him. Mr. A. very 
readily consented. I have often heard him remark that 
but few words passed between them, as they ^'journeyed 
forward through the lone woods to the place of the 
camp meeting. My father seemed absorbed in deep 
meditation — his mind, no doubt, alternating between 
fear and hope. As they drew near the ground, " the 
voice of salvation" was heard in the tents of Israel. 
The woods seemed vocal with the ^^new song of the re- 
deemed.'^ My father halted on his staff for some min- 
utes, and then said: "Mr. Ardery, there is the shout 
OF A KING AMONG THEM V My brother-in-law was struck 
with the remark, and made no reply. My father ap- 
peared deeply moved with the scene before him. For a 
few moments he was excited even to tears. Just as they 
entered the area of tents, the trumpet sounded for public 
service at the stand. At the solicitation of Mr. A., my 
father concluded to remain and hear '^what this bab- 
bler had to say.'' Mr. A. was very anxious to see what 
influence the sermon would produce upon my father's 
exasperated feelings. The minister who spoke was com- 
paratively a young man; yet he was a noble "workman, 
rightly dividing the words of truth." The sermon was 
attended with wonderful displays of the power of God. 
Before the close of the discourse, my father's prejudices 
partially gave way, and he was melted into tears and seemed 
much excited for some time afterward. At the close of 
the services, they searched among the crowd till they 
found my brother John. Father immediately inquired 
if the report which had reached home that morning was 
true? He replied, without hesitancy, in the affirmative j 
and then informed my father that he had not only joined 
the Church, but had experienced a " change of heart." 



CONVERSION OF MY MOTHER. 



49 



At this father became much enraged, and told him he 
was truly sorry that he had ever raised a son that should 
disgrace his family in that manner. He started my 
brother homeward at the point of his cane, resolving in 
his own mind to bring the whole affair to a speedy term- 
ination. But on the way home he had time for more 
mature reflection. He pondered it all over and over 
again in his own mind, and finally concluded to say or 
do nothing hastily, "lest haply he should be found to 
fight even against God." 



CHAPTER V. 

CONVERSION OF MY MOTHER. 

The conversion of my brother and his union with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, filled the other members of 
the family with wonder and amazement. It also awaken- 
ed in the breast of my mother feelings of sincere regret, 
and brought upon my brother a scene of the sorest perse- 
cution. Yet he was "steadfast and immovable, always 
abounding in the work of the Lord.'' Immediately after 
his return from the camp-ground on Sabbath evening, and 
as soon as mother had learned the true state of the case 
from my father, she wept most bitterly, and reproachfully 
told John that it would have given her infinitely less re- 
gret to have laid him in his grave than to be assured that 
he was a Methodist. She looked upon his late conduct 
as a lasting disgrace to the family — a great stigma upon 
the character and religion of her forefathers. She spent 
the forepart of this evening in abusing the Methodists, 
and ridiculing the camp meeting exercises, and making 
sport of what they termed conversion^' or a "change of 
heart." During all this time my brother never attempted 

5 



50 



FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



a Yindication of tlie Cliurcli and its peculiar usages or 
doctrines, but, whenever an opportunity presented itself, 
simply referred to tlie fact tliat God liad awakened and 
converted his soul, and adopted Mni into liis family. Early 
on Monday morning mother called him into her chamber, 
and informed him that she felt compelled from a sense of 
duty to forbid his ever going again to any of the meetings 
held by the 3Iethodists. She also prohibited him from 
holding any social intercourse with the young people in 
the neighborhood who were members of the Methodist 
Church; and then reiterated her former rash declara- 
tion, that she would rather follow him to his grave than 
to see him a member of the Methodist Church. This 
was a period of painful solicitude with my brother. He 
feared to incur the displeasure of his affectionate mother. 
And yet he dreaded the idea of losing the favor of God 
more than even to forfeit her smiles and approval. This 
led him to pray in secret at every opportunity, and caused 
him to reflect with great deliberation upon the course he 
should take. He went to the throne of grace especially 
to claim this promise : H any lack wisdom, let him ask 
of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth 
not, and it shall be given him." He sought ''light" as 
well as spiritual comfort. Every day he waxed stronger 
in the faith of the Gospel. He bore with meekness and 
forbearance the storm of persecution that seemed to 
gather fresh strength eveiy day, from the simple consid- 
eration that the object of it was calm and undismayed. 

Things continued in this state, with but little variation, 
for about two weeks. But the time of deliverance was 
near at hand. God unexpectedly wrought out for his 
servant a glorious victory. A 3Iethodist prayer meeting 
was appointed at the house of 3Ir. Maffitt, who resided 
in the immediate vicinity of my father's residence. As 
soon as my brother heard of it, he manifested a great 



CONVERSION OF MY MOTHER. 



51 



desire to attend. He made known his wislies first to my 
father, who tried in vain to persuade him not to attend. 
Finding all his arguments of no avail, he at last consent- 
ed, provided it met the approbation of my mother. But 
when the subject was mentioned to her, she became much 
displeased, and told him plainly she never would consent 
to his going among the Methodists again. He pleaded 
with her to change her purpose, but it was all in vain. 
She at last told him if he did go to that prayer meeting 
contrary to her wishes, she would immediately follow him 
and bring him home. She also said that she felt it to be 
her duty, as a parent, if possible, to restrain him from 
bringing any additional obloquy upon the family^ — she 
would COMPEL him to obey her commands at all hazlirds. 
The crisis had now arrived, and the enemy came in like 
a flood." The faith of my brother seemed to falter, but 
he retired for prayer, and soon the Spirit came to his aid 
and stilled the voice of the accuser." Satan, earth, and 
hell were all doomed to a speedy discomfiture. As the 
shades of evening drew nigh, my brother remembered the 
words of St. Paul, "In every thing by prayer and suppli- 
cation let your requests be made known unto God." He 
retired to the barn for secret prayer, confidently believing 
that Grod would make the path of duty plain. He con- 
tinued in prayer," knowing that "vain is the help of 
man." As the shades of night gathered around, he was 
still alone upon his knees, "wrestling with the angel of 
the covenant," resolved not to give over the struggle till 
he should "prevail with Grod and man." After mother 
had arranged her domestic afi'airs for the evening, she 
looked around for my brother, but could not find him 
about the house. She at once concluded that he had 
gone to the prayer meeting, notwithstanding she had 
forbidden him in the most positive manner. She in- 
Btantly resolved to follow him and oblige him to return. 



52 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

She hastily put on her sun-bonnet and left the house in a 
great rage, breathing out terrible threatenings against 
the Methodists and all who attended their meetings. But 
here let us notice the remarkable interposition of divine 
Providence. God had no doubt been guiding and over- 
ruling this whole affair. The path leading to Mr. 
Maffitt's passed near the barn ; and as mother ap- 
proached it, she heard the earnest but plaintive voice of 
some one at prayer. She paused and listened for a while, 
and finally concluded to leave the path and go around to 
the rear of the building, where she could listen unob- 
served to the prayer of the unknown suppliant. But 
imagine her astonishment I When she had reached the 
most favorable position for the accomplishment of her 
wishes, she recognized the voice of her own son ! At 
that moment he was pleading in strong faith with God to 
open the "eyes of the understanding" of his mother; 
that being enlightened she might "know what is the 
hope of his callings and what the riches of the glory of his 
inheritance in the saints.'^ The cries and words which 
he uttered were sharper than a two-edged sword. She 
was powerfully convicted by the Spirit of God, and in- 
stantly convinced of the depravity of her heart and the 
wickedness of her conduct toward her dear child who 
was so faithfully trying to save his own soul. She was 
seized with trembling; her whole frame shook, and her 
strength left her in a moment. She had to take hold of 
the logs of the old barn to keep from falling to the earth. 
She concluded that she occupied " enchanted ground," 
and that her only safety was in flight. She determined 
to make a precipitate retreat from the scene of conflict. 
But her strength was inadequate to the undertaking. 
It was with great difficulty that she kept from falling at 
every step. She felt afraid the earth would open and 
swallow her up before she could reach her home. On 



CONVERSION OF MY MOTHER. 53 

arriving at tlie house her strength was almost entirely 
exhausted. She soon rallied, and engaged in arranging 
her domestic affairs for the night; but when she reflected 
on her conduct during the day, her soul was overwhelmed 
with a sense of guilt and shame. ''What have I been 
doing ? Persecuting my innocent child ! 0, will God 
pardon? Will he ever forgive me? I am worse than 
Saul of Tarsus. He acted 'ignorantly/ when engaged 
in persecuting the people of God, but I am without ex- 
cuse. I knew I was doing wrong. But family pride 
urged me forward. 'I abhor myself, and repent in dust 
and ashes.^ " My brother returned to the house not long 
afterward, and soon retired to bed, entirely ignorant of 
what had transpired. He felt, however, that his prayers 
were heard, and that he had better not go to the prayer 
meeting on that evening. God also assured his heart, 
"that enlargement and deliverance'' would come from 
another place. He felt that he had done his duty, and 
all that now remained was to continue to wait on the 
Lord, or stand still and see his salvation. After commit- 
ting himself to the care of a covenant-keeping God, he 
was soon locked in the embrace of sleep. But in another 
part of that same dwelling there was one heart not at 
rest, one from whose eyelids sleep had departed. Father 
was asleep, but mother could find no rest for her wounded 
soul. The arrows of ''the Almighty were drinking up 
her spirits." She was now subdued into penitence at 
the feet of her offended Lord and Master. The pride of 
her heart was brought down, and humbled under the 
mighty hand of God. It might now be said of her as 
of one of old, "Behold she prayeth!" and the burden of 
that cry was, "Lord, save me or I perish." "God be 
merciful to me a sinner." 



" 'Tis right the sentence should take place, 
But thy Son has died." 



54 



FOOT- PR I NTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



My father liad fallen into a profound sleep, and all was 
quiet and silent as tlie grave. Plowever, the agony of 
my mother soon became so great that she ''cried out in 
the night watches upon her bed." This aroused my 
father, and spread alarm through all that part of the 
house. Father sprang out on the floor, lighted a candle, 
and went to the bed and cried out, " Mary ! Mary ! Mary I 
do tell me what is the matter with you !" My mother 
made him no reply, but with her hands clasped upon her 
breast, with streaming eyes, continued, in the most 
plaintive manner, to plead with God, for Christ's sake, tc 
have mercy upon her soul. Her constant cry was: 

" Merciful God, thyself proclaim, 
Li this polluted breast ; 
Mercy is thy distinguished name, 
And suits the sinner best." 

My father was alarmed and bewildered. He ran into the 
other part of the dwelling and awoke my brother John, 
and said, ''Come! come quickly into my room; jour 
mother has an attack of the 'hysterics.' Come, get up. 
and go for the doctor. I fear she will die soon unless 
she gets relief.'^ John arose and concluded to go and 
see his mother before he started for the physician. On 
entering her bedroom, he soon discovered that she had 
no need of medical assistance. He knew that she had 
been wounded by the "Spirit's sword,'' and could only 
be healed by an application of "Grilead's balm." Christ, 
the physician of the sin-sick soul, was all she wanted 
now. As soon as mother discovered my brother at hei 
bedside, she entreated his forgiveness^ and asked him to 
get down and pray to God to forgive her also, and change 
her nature, too. M}^ brother instantly fell upon his 
knees, and cried to God to set her soul at liberty, and 
to make her also a "partaker of like precious ftiith with 
himself." 0, it was a time of deep anguish ! The con- 



SHOUTING IN CHURCH. 



55 



flict lasted for several hours. But; like tlie Sjroplienician 
woman, she continued to cry, "Lord, help me.'' At 
last the Comforter came, and said to the " weeping 
Marj/' "Daughter, be of good cheer; thy sins, which 
were many, are all forgiven thee : go in peace and sin no 
more." It was in that hour 

'* Her tongue broke forth in unknown strains, 
And sang redeeming love." 

My mother shouted aloud for joy, and my brother rejoiced 
with her. The balance of the night was nearly all spent 
in prayer and praise. My father, who had been an eye- 
witness of all that passed, said the only thing that com- 
forted him at the time was the reflection that it had all 
occurred in the night — the neighbors would not know 
it, and the family would be saved from disgrace. I have 
often heard him state he thought they were both partially 
deranged, and would be restored to their senses by the 
light of the morning. This, however, was a delusive 
hope, as you will learn from the sequel. 



CHAPTER yi. 

SHOUTING IN CHURCH. 

After the conversion of my mother, she ceased to op- 
pose my brother in trying to secure a " crown of life." In 
regard to their religious experience, they now saw " eye 
to eye," and walked together from day to day in the com- 
forts of the Holy Ghost, realizing that 

" The fellowship of kindred minds 
Is like to that above." 

It was not long till my father was better reconciled to 
the unexpected change in my mother's experience; but 



56 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



the time was drawing near when he was to be subjected 
to a more severe trial than any thing that had yet trans 
pired. 

The following morning father assembled the family, as 
usual, for worship. He read a Psalm, and then sung it, 
and kneeled down to pray; but soon after he com- 
menced mother began to praise Grod, in an audible voice. 
This was a breach of decorum that my father could not 
endure. He ceased praying at once, rose up from his 
knees, and left the house. He did not return again til] 
called in to breakfast. This was of frequent occurrence 
during the week. On the following Sabbath the family, 
as usual, went to their own church. Mother, as yet, had 
never thought of going to the Methodist meetings, al 
though she had resolved to «ease persecuting her son, 
or any that wished to join them, in future. The services 
were unusually solemn, on that day. The sacrament of 
the Lord's supper was administered. The preparation 
sermon" was on the sufferings of Christ. 3Iother, al- 
though a member of the Seceder Church from a child, 
had never experienced a change of heart till a few days 
previous. Xow every thing was changed, because she 
had a "new heart and a right spirit." The Bible was a 
new book ; its promises were precious ; and the preaching 
of the Gospel was ''like honey from the comb" to her 
spiritual appetite. She was no longer an '"outer-court" 
worshiper, serving God in the " letter." 

The sermon was well adapted to the occasion, and long 
before its close my mother was very happy. The Lord 
poured into her soul the fullness of the riches of his 
grace — ''good measure, pressed down, shaken together, 
and running over." She shouted aloud for joy. The 
consternation of both minister and people was very great, 
as mother continued to " bless God in his sanctuary." At 
length, the minister was overwhelmed with confasion, 



SHOUTING IN CHURCH. 



57 



and took his seat in the pulpit; a part of the congrega- 
tion fled from their seats toward the door, with great fear 
and trembling; the services were speedily brought to a 
close, and as the congregation returned home, they said, 
one to another, "We have seen strange things to-day." 
Among all of them that retired from the house that day, 
none were so deeply chagrined as my father. Plis deep 
sense of mortification could only be exceeded by the joy 
and happiness of my mother and brother John. Such 
an occurrence had never been witnessed in that church 
before, and of course the members, as well as the preacher, 
were loud in their expressions of condemnation. Mother 
was now considered, by all of them, partially deranged, 
and, if not restored, would soon be a fit subject for the 
insane asylum. 

In the mean time, the news had spread throughout the 
neighborhood — like fire in dry stubble — that the good old- 
fashioned, psalm-singing Seceders had caught the '■^Meth- 
odist fire/^ and were actually engaged in shouting in the 
public congregation. This strange news brought together 
a large congregation, the next Sabbath, to see and hear 
for themselves. During the week, mother continued very 
happy, praying and praising God during the greater part 
of her leisure hours. She often interrupted the quiet 
and order of the family devotions, by shouting and prais- 
ing God, to the great annoyance of my father. She 
would retire for secret prayer, and shout in her closet, 
and often in the night watches she would praise God 
aloud upon her bed. 

At length, the second Sabbath arrived, and our family 
repaired to their own place of worship, as usual. Many 
strange faces thronged the sanctuary, on that occasion, 
all anxious to learn, from personal observation, the truth 
of the strange reports so recently circulated in the neigh- 
borhood. The services were commenced, and conducted 



58 



F00T-PKI^-T3 or AX ITIXERAXT. 



in the usual manner about liali-waj tlirougii, when, on a 
sudden, the Spirit of God filled the heart of my mother 
and she broke out in joyful strains of ''halleluiah to 
Grod/' for what he had done for her soul. The congrega- 
tion was thrown into great confasion, and the minister 
remarked that he would sit down for a while, and, as 
soon as quiet was restored, he would try to proceed with 
his discourse. The ecstasy of my mother was very great 
and it was some time before she ceased to praise the God 
of her salvation. The excitement in the audience was 
indescribable ; all present seemed to be overwhelmed 
with a sense of the majesty and power of God. I have 
often heard my father remark that, at that time, he would 
cheerfally have given all he possessed to be free from the 
odium thus brought upon the family and his own Church 
by these strange religious exercises of my mother. This 
sense of shame was daily increased, from the fact that he 
was now well persuaded that, whenever the Spirit filled 
her heart, whether at home or abroad, she would " do 
as the occasion served.'^ This soon became generally 
known among the Methodists living in the vicinity of my 
father's, and in all that "region round about." 

But things were not to continue in this state long. 
The third Sabbath arrived, and a greater crowd assembled 
at the church, to see for themselves. The minister had 
not preached long before mother commenced praising 
God, in an audible manner. The minister was sorely dis- 
pleased, and cried out, at the top of his voice, Okder ! 
order! order!" But mother heeded not the words, 
nor understood the nature of the command; but being 
"girded with gladness,'' like the saints of old in the tem- 
ple, continued to praise the Lord with a loud and clear 
voice. Her pastor, at length, finding that she disregarded 
his commands, called upon the elders of the Church, in 
the most imperative manner, to go and remove her from 



SHOUTING IN CHURCH. 



59 



the pew. But^ alas for the poor elders ! although they 
loved their minister, not one of them even arose from 
their places, to attempt to execute his orders. Their 
courage was not equal to the task; they seemed to act. as 
though they were much more safe to keep at a respectful 
distance. Mother continued to shout till the whole 
congregation was melted to tears. After she had de- 
sisted, the minister arose and dismissed the congregation, 
which retired hastily, in the greatest possible confusion ; 
some crying, others scoffing, etc. 

Things had now come to a crisis. The minister was 
very angry. The Methodists in the neighborhood, of 
course, were highly delighted ; and none of them, I have 
been informed, rejoiced as did my brother John. Father 
went home deeply mortified, saying in his heart, ''Ver- 
ily, the end is not yet." 

In the early part of that week, mother received a writ- 
ten notification to '^attend trial" before the session," 
to answer to the charge of disorderly conduct in the 
house of God specification, for shouting three successive 
Sahhaths. On the reception of this notice, my mother 
was thrown into a state of great mental agitation. She 
could not endure the idea of being expelled from the 
Church of her early choice; her feelings, for a short 
time, were insupportable, and she wept much. However, 
she soon found relief at the throne of grace. From that 
hour, till the period set for the trial, she ceased not to 
pray to Grod to undertake her cause in "time of need." 
She did not pray in vain. " To the righteous there aris- 
eth light in darkness." When the period arrived, father 
and mother repaired to the church, with sad hearts and 
tearful eyes. The minister and the members of the ses- 
sion were all present, awaiting the arrival of the accused 
party. The minister came out, and first invited my father 
into the place where the elders had convened. He then 



60 



rOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



requested him to give tliem a history of this strange af- 
fair. My father politely complied with his request, aud 
told them all how it came to pass, in as few words aa 
possible; and then closed by saying: ''You all know I 
do not believe in shouting, but I am compelled to state 
that my wife is a changed woman. She is not like the 
same person, now, that she once was. She is kind, 
patient, and forbearing, and seems to be happy all the 
time, at home and abroad ; and takes a much deeper in- 
terest in the spiritual happiness of her family. Some- 
times she goes to secret prayer, and comes out of her 
closet bathed in tears. I know she is a much better 
woman than before. She says that she does not want to 
shout, but, when ^ filled with the Spirit,' she can not and 
does not wish to refrain from so doing. I want you to 
call her in and let her answer for herself. She will tell 
you all about how the Lord has been dealing with her, 
for the last few months.'' 

The minister then asked ray father if he had ever tried 
to make her promise to quit. He answered yes, often : 
but she was never willing to make any such rash promises. 
Here the conference ended with my father, and he retired 
from the house, leaving the minister and elders to their 
own deliberations. 

They continued to consult together for a long time. 
At length, my father was invited to return to the session- 
room, when the minister remarked: '^Mr. Gr., on more 
mature deliberation we have concluded not to examine 
Mrs. G. upon the charge preferred against her, or to in- 
quire any further, at present, into the peculiar nature of 
her religious exercises. We also have unshaken confi- 
dence in her piety and integrity, and do not wish to 
throw any obstacles in her way. We will not even pass 
an OFFICIAL CENSURE upon her late conduct at church. 
We will dismiss the case, with the request that you will 



SHOUTING IN CHURCH. 



61 



use all your influence to get her to quit sliouting in 
church.^' My father replied, ^^I will try to do so, but I 
have no hope of success/' 

When mother heard the decision, she could scarce re- 
frain from praising God on the highway, as she returned 
to her home. With the Psalmist she exclaimed: '^0 
how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for 
them that fear thee, and wrought out for them that fear 
thee before the sons of men 1" '^The Lord is my shield \ 
I trusted in him and I am helped; therefore, my heart 
greatly rejoiceth.'^ She was now very happy, all the 
time : 

" With her, no melancholy void, 
No moment lingered unemployed 
Or unimproved, below." 

I have often heard her say this was one of the nappiest 
weeks of her life. John and she "talked often by the 
way,'' and rejoiced together as heirs of the same glorious 
inheritance. 

Up to this time my brother had wisely said noth- 
ing about going again to the Methodist meetings; but 
now " the set time had fully come '' — the way was 
made plain before him — and on one Sabbath morning he 
asked my mother to accompany him to class meeting, at 
brother Maffitt's. These meetings were held at the same 
house where, but a few weeks before, she had so peremp- 
torily forbidden my brother to go. However, she con- 
cluded to go and see for herself how these meetings were 
carried on. 

The exercises of the class were conducted in the usua. 
way. The young and old arose, as their names were 
called, and spoke of the love of God in a most touching 
manner. Mother was surprised to hear so many speak, 
in part, the exercises of her own mind. Before it came 
her turn to speak, the cup of her rejoicing was full, and 



62 



FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



she began to sliout and praise God. Others joined in 
■witli her, and they " exalted the name of the Lord to- 
gether." Here, among a people she had so long despised, 
she met for the first time with kindred spirits ; here, for 
the first time, she realized " where the Spirit of the Lord 
is, there is liberty." 

what a change the Lord wrought out in so short a 
time! She went asrain and as-ain to these "feasts of 
love," with my brother, and liked all of their exercises 
better, at each succeeding meeting; and to the surprise 
of my brother, and the mortification of her old friends, 
she soon made up her mind to join the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. This step was bitterly opposed by my 
father. He tried to persuade her not to leave the Church 
in which she was born; but all his efi'orts were unavail- 
ing. The providence of Grod clearly indicated to her 
that she ought to do it, without delay. She now rejoiced 
that my brother had united with the Methodists, and 
could say to him with a sincere heart, like Ruth to 
Naomi : " Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from 
following after thee; thy people shall be my people, and 
thy God my God." 

Accordingly she applied for a letter of. dismissal from 
the Seceder Church, and joined the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in the year 1816. I have often heard my father 
say, if I had known in the beginning that it would 
have ended as it did, I would not have remained passive, 
and comparatively neutral. I thought it would soon all 
pass away, and be forgotten ; but in this hope I was sadly 
disappointed." But " He doeth all things well." 



ORIGIN OF METHODISM IN RIPLEY. 63 



CHAPTER VII. 

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF METHODISM 
IN RIPLEY. 

After mother united with the Methodists, the heart 
and hands of my brother John no longer drooped. He 
waxed strong in the Lord, and contended earnestly 
against my father for the "faith once delivered to the 
saints." Father was very fond of controversy, and a 
firm believer in the doctrines of John Calvin. These 
discussions between my father and brother were kept 
up for many months, day and night. Mother would 
always render my brother all the assistance that she 
could; but was, for the most part, a silent but prayerful 
listener. Father was often more than a match for my 
brother; yet when fairly beaten by John in debate, he 
would not yield, but resume the subject and fight it over 
again, without ever growing weary. These discussions 
were often continued late at night, especially when the 
topic of personal experience was brought up, or the pos- 
sibility of a sinner knowing that he is born of God 
before the hour of death. Mother would often retire 
to bed at such a time, and pray that God would make 
my brother the instrument of teaching my father "the 
way of the Lord more perfectly.'' Father would never say 
'^it is growing late," or "I am weary," as long as my 
brother would continue to controvert with him on doc- 
trinal subjects. But whenever John would remark in sub- 
stance as follows : "Well, father, you may argue and talk 
as you please against the direct witness of the Spirit, or 
the impossibility of our knowing in this life that we are 
the children of God, but let me tell you, I know that God, 
for Christ's sake, pardoned my sins at the camp meeting. 



64 FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

and gave me the witness in my soul; I feel it at this 
very moment. Like the blind man, I can say of a truth, 
^this one thing I know, that whereas I was once blind, I 
now see' — as soon as my brother would state that he 
had the '^witness in himself,'' my father would rise up to 
retire and say, ''John, it is growing late, you had better 
go to your bed." Reader, what an important lesson you 
and 1 are here taught ! 

The next year my parents moved to Ohio, and settled 
on the waters of Eagle creek, about six miles from the 
city of Maysville, in Kentucky. There was circuit 
preaching at the house of Mr. Samuel Fitch, about one 
mile below their new location. They found no Seceders 
living in that region of country, and the nearest Presby- 
terian meeting-house was about four miles distant, on the 
waters of Red Oak. As my father had now no place of 
worship, he concluded to attend some of the 3Iethodist 
meetinsrs in that neio;hborhood. The first sermon that 
he heard was from Rev. J. Havens, from these words : 
''For now I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, 
but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh 
righteousness, is accepted of him.'^ Under this dis- 
course my father, like Peter, had his eyes opened to see 
that "what Grod had cleansed, he ought not to call com- 
mon." He espoused the doctrines of John Wesley and 
Fletcher with all his heart, and became a zealous advo- 
cate of the peculiar doctrines of a "free and full salva- 
tion from all sin in this life," and the direct witness of the 
Holy Grhost. He united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at the house of Mr. Samuel Fitch, on Eagle creek. 
Mr. Fitch was a native of Kentucky. He first settled at 
what was called "Logan's Gap," on the Ohio river. For 
a long time, a good old sister of the name of Anna 
Mountain, had been praying day and night for God to 
send some one into that part of the state that would be 



ORIGIN OF METHODISM IN RIPLEY. 



65 



willing to open their house for Methodist preaching. I 
have often heard brother Fitch remark, that he believed 
that he was directed to Eagle creek by a special provi- 
dence in answer to the prayers of this devoted saint. 

Methodism was then in its infancy. The first society 
of Methodists in southern Ohio, was organized in the 
spring of 1812, at the house of brother Samuel Fitch, on 
Eagle creek, four miles from Ripley, on the hill-road to 
Maysville. Some noble-hearted Christians had settled 
near him. The scattered sheep were soon called to- 
gether at his house to worship the God of their fathers. 
Eev. Isaac Pavey formed them into a class. The Bas- 
com family settled in the same neighborhood, one mile 
east of Eagle creek, on the road leading to Maysville, 
in Kentucky, in this same year. The late Bishop Bas- 
com, who was then in his sixteenth year, was ap- 
pointed class-leader, and continued to lead this class till 
some time in February, 1813, when he was regularly 
licensed to preach as a local preacher, by Rev. James 
Quinn, of precious memory. During the year 1813 
brother Bascom traveled Brush Creek circuit, by the 
appointment of the presiding elder. I have often heard 
brother Fitch remark, that the late Bishop Bascom 
was the most faithful and devoted class-leader that 
he had ever known. Often when Eagle creek was run- 
ning full of water during the winter season, this young 
exhorter, Henry B. Bascom, would strip off a part of his 
clothes and wade the swollen stream, holding them above 
his head, rather than disappoint those who were anxiously 
awaiting his arrival. The class prospered wonderfully. 
Souls were awakened and converted at every meeting. 
He reported an increase of sixty at the close of the year, 
which made the total number seventy-five. 

The following are the names of those who were first 

called Methodists on the waters of Eagle creek : H. B. 
6 



66 



FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



Bascom, leader; Alplieus Bascom, Hiram Parent, Mrs. 
Parent, Mrs. Hannah Houk Bascom, Hugh Allen, Mrs. 
Brown, Mrs. Staten, Henry Hardesty, Anna Mountain. 
Henry Morris, Mrs. Morris, G-eorge Coates, Mrs. Coates. 
Miss Coates — 15. 

In the spring of 1817 my parents settled within about 
one and a half miles from '^Grlen Cottage,'' the residence 
of the Bascom family. They attached themselves to the 
same class of which Bishop Bascom was leader till the 
time that he entered the ministry. Bev. John Meek was 
the first Methodist preacher that I ever heard preach. 
He was then comparatively a young man, and had a rich, 
melodious voice, and preached with great eloquence and 
power at popular meetings. His preaching made a deep 
impression on my youthful mind. I was intimately 
acquainted with Rev. Henry B. Bascom from the days 
of my boyhood. The most eloquent and effective dis- 
courses that I ever heard him preach, were on the waters 
of Eagle creek, near the residence of his father, and in 
sight of the house where he was first appointed class- 
leader. I have many things to say of the late Bishop 
Bascom, but have no room for them here. He was the 
most affectionate son that I ever knew. He was kind to 
all his relatives. I corresponded with him for many 
years. The last letter that I received from him was 
while he was residing at Augusta College, in Kentucky 
It was not long after the death of his step-mother, whoni 
he loved most fondly. I will give the introductory por 
tion of it. Peace to his ashes 1 . 

"Parke Lodge, Tebruary 7, 1842 

^^My Dear Brother G-addis, — I received your kind 
letter some time ago, but the illness and death of my 
step-mother prevented my attending to it; and even now 
I feel very little like writing, and when I attempt it, it is 
with an unconquerable prop'ensity to be hi^ief, even with 



ORIGIN OF METHODISJVI IN RIPLEY. 67 

the most intimate of my friends. We committed the 
remains of step-mother to the dust on the 27th ultimo, and 
I need not say what has been the affliction here for some 
weeks past.'' 

Ripley is pleasantly situated on the Ohio river, in 
Brown county, Ohio. It is about fifty miles above Cin- 
cinnati, and equidistant from Augusta and Maysville, in 
Kentucky. It was formerly included in what was origin- 
ally called the '^Virginia Military District," and formed a 
part of a large tract of land given by the Government to 
Colonel Pogue as a reward for his services. It was laid 
out by the proprietor, Colonel P., in 1804. The original 
name of the village was Stanton; but at the request of 
the citizens, consisting of only four families in 1816, it 
was changed to Ripley, by a ^'special act" of the Legis- 
lature. The first settlers of the town were from the 
states of Kentucky and Virginia, a few of whom are still 
living. It was at an early period selected as the seat of 
justice for the county of Brown; but the board of com- 
missioners," who were instructed by the people to find 
a more central location, removed it to Georgetown, a 
thriving village about ten miles distant, in a north- 
westerly direction. This had a tendency to retard the 
improvement of Ripley for a number of years. 

Methodism was planted here at an early period. The 
first Methodist sermon was preached here by the ven- 
erable John Collins, of precious memory, a particular 
account of which I furnished Judge M'Lean for the 
biography of father Collins. 

In 1818, soon after my father settled on Eagle creek, a 
small class was organized by Rev. William Dixon in the 
town of Ripley, of which my brother. Rev. John Gaddis, 
was appointed leader. The names of the members were ; 
John Ashbaugh, Sophia Ashbaugh, John Walkington, 



68 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Ann Tupman, Miss Gooty, Mr. Tupman, Mr. and Mrs. 
M^Daniel, Rachel and Sophia Hardin, and Miss Anna 
Hardin, and a few others whose names I do not now 
recollect. The first preaching was held in private houses. 
It was next removed to the new court-house, and, under 
the labors of Rev. Andrew M'Clain, a number were 
added to the Church. The next place of preaching was 
in an old frame house, which had been previously used foi 
an oil-mill. It was in this old, antiquated house that 1 
first heard Rev. Russel Bigelow preach a most powerful 
sermon. In 1826 a new. brick house was erected near 
the old frame oil-mill, in which many souls were power- 
fully converted, especially during the ministrations of 
Rev. Frederick Butler, Rev. R. S. Foster, and Rev. John 
W. Clarke. A number of years since the ^^old brick'' 
was sold, and a new and elegant church erected on the 
opposite side of the street. For a number of years past, 
the society has supported a stationed minister. 

FIRST BURIAL AND FIRST SERMON BY A METHOD- 
IST IN THE TOWN OF RIPLEY. 

The first Methodist minister that visited Ripley, Ohio, 
was the late venerable John Collins. The substance of 
that visit was furnished by myself for the "Life of Rev. 
John Collins, by Judge M'Lean.'' I will now give the nar- 
rative more in detail. Mr. Collins was passing from one 
of the preaching-places on Eagle creek at the house of 
Samuel Fitch, to the "Center,'' or the old county seat on 
Straight creek, in Brown county, Ohio. On ascending to 
the top of the dividing ridge between the waters of Eagle 
and Red Oak creeks, he discovered a "blazed path" turn- 
ing off the main road to the left. He instantly halted 
and inquired of his guide where that new road would 
lead them. Ho was informed that it led to a little town 
at the mouth of Red Oak creek, on the Ohio river, called 



ORIGIN OF METHODISM IN RIPLEY. 



69 



'^Stanton" — the site where the flourishing town of Rip- 
ley is now situated. He then inquired if they could 
reach the point of destination and take that place in 
their route ? His friend informed him that they could 
without difficulty. He then replied, '^I feel impressed 
to go hy this new village." As they approached this 
place, they saw a funeral procession ascending the hill 
into a dense grove above the site where the first Presby- 
terian church now stands. It was the first burial among 
the villagers since their settlement on the banks of the 
Ohio. Mr. Collins and his traveling companion imme- 
diately joined in the solemn procession and followed on 
to the grave. It was the first wife of Mr. Bernard Jack- 
son, who for many years had been an avowed infidel. 
After the grave was covered, and all were about to retire, 
Mr. Collins uncovered his head and remarked, that they 
had now performed the last act of kindness that could be 
done for the dead, but that he, as one of the embassa- 
dors of Christ, had a message for the living. He then 
politely remarked, that any who wished to return to their 
homes, were at liberty to do so, but that he should preach 
to all who would remain. No one left the ground. He 
read for his text a part of the twenty-fifth verse of the 
eleventh chapter of St. John: ^'I am the resurrection 
and the life : he ihat believeth in me, though he were 
dead, yet shall he live." He preached with irresistible 
power. The solemnity of the occasion, and the circum- 
stances which brought him to the place, added, no doubt, 
to the seriousness of the services. No one could apply 
peculiar circumstances more forcibly than Mr. Collins. 
There were many tears and sobs in that little audience at 
the FIRST BURIAL in Ripley. The infidel husband was 
overwhelmed, and renounced his infidelity and became 
an earnest inquirer after the way of salvation. In after 
years I formed his acquaintance, and often heard him 



70 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

relate how lie was brought out of darkness into the light 
of the Gospel. He united with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. His remains now rest at Stone Chapel, in 
West Union circuit. He has one son that is a traveling 
preacher in the state of Indiana. 



CHAPTER YIII. 

MY CONVERSION. 

In the summer of 1824, some time in the month of 
August, it pleased God to bring me to a saving knowl- 
edge of the truth. It was at the first camp meeting that 
I was permitted to attend. This meeting was held in 
the state of Kentucky, about six miles from the city of 
Maysville, and two miles west of the town of Washington; 
in Mason county. From my childhood I had heard my 
parents talk about these extraordinary means of grace. 
Their oft-repeated descriptions of them had awakened in 
my youthful mind a great desire to go. For several 
months previous to the time appointed for this meeting, 
all my waking thoughts were occupied about it. At 
length the long-wished-for period arrived, and at early 
morn,^' in company with three elder brothers, I started 
over the Ohio river. At this time our residence was in 
the county of Brown. Our dwelling stood on the bank 
of the river, a short distance below the town of Ripley. 
On the morning of our departure for the encampment, 
my dear mother followed us out to the gate and bade us 
adieu. She said to William and myself, ^'Be good 
CHILDREN, AND SEEK RELIGION before you retum home." 

At that time I was not thinking much upon that sub- 
ject ; neither did I desire to go to the meeting in order 



MY CONVERSION. 



71 



to seek religion. Tf any one had said to me on that 
morning, I think you will get religion and join the 
Church before you come hack, I should have fMaughed 
them to scorn." I was going out of mere curiosity, with- 
out any definite object before my mind. However, soon 
after my arrival on the ground, I felt very solemn. 
When we passed within the inclosure of the tents, and 
drew near to the preachers' stand, I was forcibly remind- 
ed of the address to the Hebrew prophet : Take off 
thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon thou 
standest is holy ground." This camp meeting was at- 
tended by many of the most gifted and eloquent preach- 
ers of the Kentucky conference. Their preaching was 
attended by the power of the Holy Ghost, and hundreds 
were awakened and converted. The late Johnson Arm- 
strong, of Maysville, Kentucky, had a very large tent for 
the accommodation of strangers from abroad. All of 
our company, which consisted of seven or eight young- 
men and boys, were politely invited to brother Arm- 
strong's tent. Never shall I forget the kindness of that 
good man. Putting his hand on my head, he said to me, 
'^My little lad, you see I am now an old man, and I have 
a large company to entertain ; I can not, of course, pay 
much attention to you, but you are very welcome to stay 
here during the meeting. Whenever you see a vacant 
place at the table, go and take your seat without waiting 
for me to look after you, or give you another invitation." 
This act of kindness had a happy influence on my youth- 
ful mind. I soon felt a home feeling come over me. On 
Sabbath afternoon, at the close of a most deeply-affecting 
I' discourse, seekers of religion were invited to come for- 
' ward. The seats were placed in front of the pulpit, but 
there was no altar railing to guard the near approach of 
the crowd. As a substitute, the brethren joined their 
hands together and formed a circle, to keep the congre- 



72 



FOOT- PR I NTS or AN ITINERANT. 



gation from intruding upon tlie place set apart for the 
mourners. Within this circle of brotherly love/' all 
were invited who desired the prayers of the people of 
God. It was an hour of great religious excitement. 
Many were "crying for mercy/' as they approached the, 
consecrated spot. I had an irrepressible anxiety to see 
all that was going forward, and, like one of old, I sought 
the highest elevation within my reach ; I climbed up on a 
high stump, which stood near the preachers' stand, where 
I was head and shoulders above the entire congregation. 
It was not long, however, till I was called to come 
down and humble myself before the Lord at the mercy- 
seat. While watching the moving scene before me, to 
my great surprise, I saw my brother William press 
through the congregation and bow as a penitent, at one 
of the benches just before me. At that time, William 
and myself were the only members of the family who 
were not within the pale of the visible Church. The 
sight of this deeply affected my " thoughtless heart," and 
I instantly exclaimed, mentally, -^0, my God, will father, 
and mother, and brothers, and sisters, and all my rela- 
tives, ' press into the kingdom of heaven,' and leave me 
in the broad road which leadeth to destruction ! 0, how 
can I endure the thought of an eternal separation !" I 
then said, "0, if all of them are determined to be saved, 
^I will go also/" and then, like Zaccheus, I made haste 
and " delayed not to come down." I endeavored to press 
my way through the congregation as fast as I could, till 
I reached the "circle" inclosing the penitents. I then 
kneeled by the side of my brother, and began to pray, 
with a sincere heart, for the pardon of my sins. Al 
though, at that time, I was a small white-haired boy, not 
quite thirteen years old, I felt that I was a very great 
sinner. I had not prayed long before I began to realize 
that I had a hard and rebellious heart, and unless it was 



MY CONVERSION. 



73 



washed by the blood of Calvary, I must sink to hell 
Such was the bitterness of my spirit, and the deep mental 
agony of my soul, that I was unconscious of all that was 
passing around me. I prayed and struggled for deliver- 
ance, without a moment's interval, for more than six 
LONG, WEARY HOURS, without rising from my knees. 0, 
I then tasted the " wormwood and the gall," and my soul 
hath them still in remembrance. At length my anguish 
ceased; I became calm, and my mind unusually clear 
and reflective. In a moment my heart became as in- 
sensible as a stone ; I could neither weep, feel, nor pray. 
A deep gloom settled down over my soul. The tempter 
came in upon me " like a flood," and suggested to my 
mind that my fears were all unnecessary; that I had 
no genuine conviction for my sins ; that I was simply 
alarmed at seeing my brother go forward for prayers. 
He also whispered in my ear, that I need not be in haste 
about so important a matter ; I was quite too young to 
become a Christian, or join the Church of Grod. Un- 
fortunately, I yielded to the power of my adversary; I 
immediately felt an inward sense of shame, and regretted 
that I had come there to pray. I arose from my knees, 
took a seat on the bench, and covered my face with my 
hands, for fear that any of my wicked companions should 
recognize me among the "seekers" of religion. Some 
one approached and talked to me, but it seemed to have 
no effect upon me. I could not remain any longer among 
those who were so earnestly crying to Grod for mercy; I 
felt I was not worthy to be there. At last, I was forced 
by the enemy of souls to leave the place of prayer and go 
to the tent. Satan had found out the most vulnerable 
point, and there he made his heaviest assault. He knew 
very well that the argument that "I was too young," was 
the only one with which he could prevail ; therefore, he 
pressed it the more closely upon my mind. At last I 

7 



74 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

concluded to give it up for that time, and resolved, at 
some more convenient season," when of maturer years, 
I would seek the Savior and go with my friends to glory. 
I had made up my mind to go to heaven — in this purpose 
^^my heart was fixed." But the voice of Satan con- 
stantly whispering in my ear, ^' You are alarmed and too 
young," also kept me for a little season from making any 
farther efforts. I at length resolved to give it up, and 
retired to bed, hoping I would be more composed in the 
morning. But, to my great surprise, I found that I 
could not rest — sleep had " departed from my eyes, and 
slumber from my eyelids." My soul had been pierced 
by the two-edged sword of the Spirit, and the arrows of 
the Almighty were drinking up my spirits. I could find 
no rest for either mind or body. My state of mind was 
touchingly described by Cowper^s affecting allegory : 

*' I was a stricken deer, that left the herd 
Long since. With many an arrow deep infixed. 
My panting heart was charged ; when I withdrew 
To seek a tranquil death in distant shades. 
There was I found by one who had himself 
Been hurt by the archers. In his side he bore, 
And in his hands and feet the cruel scars." 

The cries of the "stricken ones" still at the altar were 
borne far off by the night winds. "I then communed 
with my own heart, and was still upon my bed," alone 
with my God. It was an hour never to be forgotten. At 
times I fancied I could hear the cries of my brother go 
up to heaven for mercy. Ever and anon some were con- 
verted, and the joy in the presence of the angels of Grod 
was very great. In a moment the power of the tempter 
was broken, and I again resolved to " arise and go to my 
father." I arose with great deliberation, and put on my 
clothes, and went out and kneeled down again at the 
place that I had left about one hour before. I soon be- 
gan again to cry and pray to God for pardoning mercy. 



MY CONVERSION. 



75 



r felt tliat the bondage was over me — the iron was enter- 
ing my soul. My darkness increased till Despair, with 
her dark, raven wings, spread over my spirit. At this 
moment, I recognized the voice of my brother David 
whispering in my ear the consoling promises of the Gos- 
pel, assuring me that the darkest hour was just before 
the dawn of the morning.'^ And then I heard him re- 
mark as follows : 0, my dear brother Maxwell, remem- 
ber how long mother has prayed for your conversion, and 
how glad she would be if the Lord would make you his 
child at this meeting. I have no doubt she is praying 
for you now. And then remember the Church is pray- 
ing, and your bleeding Savior is pleading your cause 
before the throne of God on high. 

' The Father hears him pray, 
His dear anointed one, 
And can not turn away 
The presence of his Son.' " 

During all my agony up to that moment, I had never 
thought of the tears or prayers of my affectionate mother. 
They now all passed in review before me. I felt at that 
moment that there was efficacy in prayer,^^ and there 
was hope for my soul. I then looked to the cross by 
faith, and in a moment my burden was gone. The Sun 
of righteousness shined into my heart, and I arose and 
shouted aloud for joy, and continued praising God till 
the dawning of the morning. I recollect of getting up 
on a bench 

" To tell to sinners round, 
What a dear Savior I had found." 

My brother William experienced religion the same night, 
and nearly all of our little band returned home to glo- 
rify God." It was at the solemn and impressive hour of 
midnight when my chains were severed, and the " voice 
of my Deliverer" cheered my disconsolate soul. 



76 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



On our way home, we made tlie grand old woods on 
tlie river hills in Kentucky, vocal with our songs of re- 
deeming love. Before our arrival, however, some one had 
convej^ed the intelligence to my dear mother. She saw 
us coming, and stood at the gate to receive us. The joy 
of that meeting may be imagined, but it can not be por- 
trayed by human tongue or pencil. I learned this 
striking fact from my mother, that on the Sabbath night 
of my conversion she had resolved to spend the forepart 
of that evening in prayer, for the conversion of her two 
sons at the camp-ground in Kentucky. Toward eleven 
o'clock she was powerfully tempted to give up the strug- 
gle, just about the time the tempter obtained the victory 
over my soul at the altar. But not long after this as- 
sault, she renewed the conflict, and prevailed " in driv- 
ing the enemy from the field. She importuned Grod with 
strong cries and tears,^' and wrestled in mighty 
prayer with the angel of the covenant " till nature was 
nearly exhausted. 

*' What though my shrinking flesh complain, 

And murmur to contend so long ? 
I rise superior to my pain. 

When I am weak then am I strong, 
And when my all of strength shall fail, 

I shall with the God-man prevail." 

At last her prayer was heard. She felt that it was an- 
swered. The joy of her spirit was inexpressible. She 
heard the Savior say, " 0, woman, great is thy faith ; be 
it unto thee even as thou wilt.'^ Who can tell the power 
and efficiency of a mother's prayers ? Her love can only 
be excelled by the love of God. The love of God is 
ofiangeless, and without a parallel. Isa. xlix, 15, 16. 

"What tongue can paint a mother's love 
To the sweet infant dandled in her arms ; 
What argument need her compassion move 
To hear it cry or keep it in its harms I 



CALL TO THE MINISTRY. 77 

Yet if one motlier were possessed 
Of all the love, -within her single breast, 
Of all the mothers since the world began, 
'Tis nothing to the love of God to man." 



CHAPTER IX. 

CALL TO THE MINISTRY. 

It was not long after I had experienced a change of 
heart till I felt that I was inwardly moved by the Holy 
Ghost'' to preach the Gospel. I tried to banish this con- 
yiction from my mind in every way that I could; but it 
was strengthened every year. My irreligious acquaint- 
ances began early to predict that I would become a minis- 
ter, should Providence spare my life. These assertions 
annoyed me exceedingly. I had no desire for such an 
honorable office, and feared I had but imperfect qualifica- 
tions for the discharge of its sacred duties. The Church 
had her eyes upon me, and when only nineteen years of 
age, desired me to engage in the work of the ministry 
without delay, not doubting that God had called me by 
his Spirit, but I obstinately refused. My relatives and 
brethren importuned me also in vain to commence the 
work of the ministry at that period. At length the late 
Rev. William Allen, junior preacher on Straight Creek 
circuit, without my knowledge or desire, brought my case 
before the society, and obtained permission that I should 
receive license to exhort, according to the usual custom 
of the Church. On making known what he had done, he 
was informed by those better acquainted with the Disci- 
pline than himself, that it was not his prerogative thus to 
act, but the duty of his senior in office, the preacher in 
charge of the circuit. Of course all the action in the 



78 



rOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



case was "null and void." This was a matter of quite as 
deep mortification to brotlier Allen as it was of secret 
gratulation to myself. I vainly sujDposed that the matter 
would end here^ and my conscience would be at rest- in 
time to come; but^ to my surprise, a few months before 
the close of that same year, the preacher in charge, Rev. 
Elijah H. Field, brought my case forward again, and ob- 
tained another recommendation from the society of which 
I was a member, and, on the subsequent day, handed me 
the following license : 

These are to authorize our brother. Maxwell P. Gad- 
dis, to exercise his gifts as an exhorter in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, so long as his doctrine, practice, and 
usefulness comport with the Discipline of said Church. 
"Done at E-ipley,' Ohio, by consent of the class. 

"Elijah H. Field, P. C. 

"AUGTTST 1, 1830." 

This license was renewed at the last quarterly meeting 
for S. circuit, held at the Ash Ridge meeting-house, 
August 14, 1830. After this transpired the conflict in 
my own mind, which had raged with violence, increased. 
The members of the Church were constantly urging me 
to go forward, and the ministers called upon me almost 
every- where I went to take some part in the public exer- 
cises. This course soon became an intolerable burden, 
and destroyed much of my religious comforts in the serv- 
ice of God. To avoid being annoyed in this way, I 
often attended the preaching of other denominations. I 
dreaded the cross, and shunned it whenever I could. 
Occasionally I would yield to the importunities of the 
preachers, ana exercise my " gift of exhortation." But 
this course only increased my unhappiness after the 
effort was past. I could never successfully resist the 
inward conviction that I was called of God to the work 
of the ministry. But I was afraid of the responsibility^ 



CALL TO THE MINISTRY. 



79 



and determined I would not yield. I hardly ever ex- 
horted^ unless compelled to do so. I will here relate an 
amusing incident of this character^ which transpired at 
the town of Gr. I was returning from a wedding, and 
stopped in that place to spend the Sabbath. Rev. B. 
\Yestlake was to preach the funeral sermon of a young 
Mr. S., and requested me to exhort, but I very respect- 
fully declined. He urged me with still greater earnestness 
to comply, but I as sternly and promptly refused. As we 
were about to enter the church he asked me the third 
time, but I resolved not to do it, and said "No,'^ in the 
most positive manner. At this he seemed much grieved, 
and then told me that he would feel called upon to exer- 
cise his ecclesiastical authority, and compel me to dis- 
charge my duty on that occasion. At this I laughed 
most heartily, and told him I hoped he would not attempt 
in any public manner to coerce me, or he would regret it 
thereafter on his account as well as my own. He replied, 
"Very well, I will see to that matter. You are a stranger 
here, and might do some of the young people good by 
an exhortation on this solemn occasion." I then walked 
into the church and took a seat in the back part of the 
congregation, just as far from the pulpit as I could get. 
Brother B. was not to be foiled in this way. As soon as 
the sermon was concluded he paused for a moment, and 
then cried aloud: ^'Brother Gaddis, come up into the 
pulpit and close with an exhortation !" The congrega- 
tion seemed startled, and all looked around to see where 
I was seated. This increased my embarrassment a hun- 
dred fold, and I held down my head; whereupon brother 
B. cried out again in the most peremptory manner: 
"Brother G-addis ! come up and exhort!'^ His voice, 
naturally heavy, seemed to fall on my ear like thunder. 
I understood well the resoluteness and firmness of the 
man, and that nothing would be gained by sitting still 



80 rooT-PRiNTS or an itinerant. 

in my place of concealment; and for fear of being called 
the third time^ I concluded to go forward and close the 
exercises by singing and prayer. But unfortunately for 
me, after having announced the page of the hymn, I 
turned to brother B., and stooped down behind the pulpit, 
and, in an undertone of voice, made known my intention. 
He caught me gently by the collar, and, looking me 
sternly in the face, said: "Exhort, sir! or else take your 
seat. I did not invite you up here to sing and pray; I 
could do that myself. I want you to exhort these young 
people to flee from the wrath to come; and if you will 
not do it, I will not permit you to take any part in the 
closing services.'^ I was overwhelmed with confusion. 
The congregation was waiting, and I, saw no way of 
escape. I addressed myself to the task, and did just as 
well as I possibly could under such embarrassing circum- 
stances. In my judgment nothing was said either to the 
comfort or edification of the audience. If no other good 
was done I felt that I was conquered, and the pride of my 
heart greatly humbled. Before leaving the house I made 
a voluntary promise to do better in the future. Grood 
brother A. B. came up and said: "Your exhortation was 
sweet, but quite too short.'' 

For many years I never mentioned my convictions of 
duty, or the conflict that was raging within, even to my 
most intimate friends. The fire was consuming me, and 
its efi"ect on my mind soon began to show itself in the 
impaired state of my general health. At length I con- 
cluded to make known my impressions of duty to a local 
preacher that was employed with me in the same store. 
At a time when business was dull I asked him if he 
would not take a walk with me in the suburbs of the 
town, as I had something of importance which I wished 
to communicate? He cordially consented, and we con- 
tinued our walk for some time before I had moral courage 



CALL TO THE MINISTRY. 



81 



to introduce the subject. We stopped to rest at a num- 
ber of suitable places for private conversation, but still I 
could not make known the smothered emotions of my 
soul. At length we returned and entered the market- 
house, not far from the store. My feelings overcame me 
and I burst into tears. Mr. P. wept also, as I there re- 
vealed to him all that was in my heart in regard to my 
call to preach. He remarked: ^^I knew all about it long 
ago.'' This surprised me exceedingly. On seeing which 
he explained by saying that no one had said any thing 
to him on the subject, but from the character of my 
public exercises as an exhorter, he was long since con- 
vinced that I was called of God to the work of the 
Christian ministry. He then proffered very kindly to 
assist me pecuniarily, and exhorted me to yield at once 
and go into the itinerancy;" and closed by saying, "un- 
less you do, I fear you will become very unhappy, and, in 
the end, may lose your soul." This conversation made 
a very deep impression on my heart; but I was "disobe- 
dient to the heavenly vision." I tried to immerse myself 
in the business of the world in such a manner as to pre- 
clude the possibility of going at that time. My heavenly 
Father then saw that it was necessary to afflict me, so that 
I was soon unable to attend to business of any kind. 
This afforded me ample time for reflection and prayer, 
and as soon as I promised the Lord I would discharge my 
duty, I recovered my former state of health speedily. I 
still felt, however, unwilling to discharge religious duties 
in public. I was now more unhappy than ever, and re- 
solved to go into some more lucrative business, but every 
attempt was overruled by a wise and gracious Providence. 
I soon became very unwell again, and resolved to travel 
from home, which afforded me little or no relief either in 
mind or body. After this I entered college, but before 
the close of the year I was compelled by indisposition to 



82 



rOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



desist from tlie further prosecution of my studies. This 
was always a source of great unhappiness, for I was very 
anxious to complete my college course. I again engaged 
myself as a salesman in a store, and resolved fully to 
qualify myself for business, and banish from my mind all 
thoughts of the ministry. For a short season when in 
the "busy mart/' I was perfectly happy, but, alas! it was 
not long before my convictions of long-neglected duty 
returned with double force. When alone I was constantly 
pondering it over in my mind, and at Church I was in 
great dread for fear the minister would call upon me to 
take a part in the closing exercises. Often on returning 
from Church I was deeply impressed with these solemn 
words: "A dispensation of the Gospel is committed to 
me ; woe is me if I preach not the Grospel !" I felt miser- 
able by night and by day. I often wept, and sung as I 
walked by myself in the woods, 

*' The harvest-fields are ripening, 

And the laborers are few, 
And Zion now doth languish — 

shepherds, .where are you? 
Their blood will cry against you. 

If idle you should be ; 
You see the sAvord is coming, 

Go sound the jubilee." 



CHAPTER X. 

CAMP MEETING SCENE. 

I HAD the pleasure of first forming an acquaintance 
with Rev. William B. Christie, in the year 1832, at a 
camp meeting, a few miles north-west of Russelville, in 
Brown county, on the waters of Straight creek. Among 
the distinguished ministers present on that memorable 
occasion^ were Rev. James B. Finley and Rev. Henry B. 



CAMP MEETING SCENE. 



83 



Bascom, D. D., and several others^ whose names are not 
now remembered. 

I was then living at Ripley, a pleasant town on the 
Ohio river, and was one of a number of young men who 
resolved on getting up what is technically called "A 
Union Tent," for the purpose of attending the above- 
named meeting. On Saturday, the time jfixed for its 
commencement, we set off early for the encampment. 
The morning was cool and pleasant, and we soon arrived 
in safety at the place of destination. On our arrival at 
the grove, we found that the morning service had com- 
menced ; the Rev. Burroughs Westlake was preaching 
powerfully, in his peculiar manner, from this text: ^^Is 
there no balm in Gilead, and is there no physician 
there ? Why then is not the health of the daughter of 
my people recovered?" While the minister progressed 
with his discourse, the area in front of the stand, and 
especially the outer circle in the rear of the tents, pre- 
sented a scene of great commotion, by the constant ar- 
rival of new tent-holders. Before the close of the 
sermon, the most intense excitement prevailed through- 
out the entire encampment; yet no one, not even the 
preacher, attached blame to the conduct of the occupants 
of the finished tents, or the hurry and confusion among 
the ^'new-comers.'' The face of the whole heavens was 
overspread with thick clouds, in consequence of which 
all not engaged in worship at the stand were busily em- 
ployed in ^'tightening their canvas,'' or fixing as well as 
they could the clapboard roofs of their little log tents. 
Nearly every family was busily engaged in making the 
best possible arrangements to protect themselves and 
friends from the threatened shower. In company with 
my young companions, I was engaged in assisting to erect 
the ''Union Tent" on a corner lot, a few rods distant 
from the preachers' stand. When brother Westlake closed 



84, 



rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



his sermon, an unusual anxiety was depicted in every 
countenance^ and some looked sad and gloomy. All were 
of the opinion that the services of the meeting would 
soon be seriously interrupted^ if not entirely broken off, 
by the coming tempest. A storm in the wild wood ! 
How alarming to the weak and timorous ! I have never 
witnessed a heavy thunder-storm without the deepest 
emotion of awe and reverence. At this moment an op- 
pressive silence reigned throughout the encampment, 
while the muttering thunders were heard in the distant 
heavens. 

" A thunder-storm ! the eloquence of heaven, 
When every cloud is from its slumber driven, 
Who hath not paused amid its hollow groan. 
And felt Omnipotence around him thrown ! 
With what a gloom the ushering scene appears, 
The leaves all fluttering with instinctive fears. 
The waters curling with a fellow di'ead, 
A breezeless fervor round creation spread, 
And last the heavy rain's reluctant shower. 
With big drops pattering on the tree and bower. 
While wizzard shapes the lowering sky deform. 
All mark the coming of the thunder-storm!" 

At this solemn hour I saw Rev. William B. Christie 
for the first time. He ascended the stand to close the 
service. His voice at first was low, but sweet and melo- 
dious; but as he proceeded to line out Cowper's beauti- 
ful and well-known hymn, commencing, 

" God moves in a mysterious way, 
His v/onders to perform ; 
He plants his footsteps in the sea, 
And rides upon the storm," 

all eyes in the congregation were riveted upon the 
stranger. With the reading and singing of each verse 
of that appropriate hymn, the devotional feeling in- 
creased in the audience till the tear of joy sparkled in 
many an eye 3 while the hearty " amen " gave additional 



CAMP MEETING SCENE. 



85 



interest to the scene. At the close of the hymn the as- 
sembly kneeled in prayer^ while the voice of the stranger 
was lifted to the throne of grace. At first the faint 
whispers of his voice were scarcely audible, owing to 
preparations in the rear of the stand for a " rainy day.'' 
But as the preacher breathed out the desires of a bur- 
dened heart in a soft and subdued tone of voice, a solemn 
and awful stillness fell on the entire encampment. He 
had not continued long in prayer till all within the area 
of tentS; and in the rear, and on all sides of the ground, 
fell upon their knees, or assumed a devotional posture. 
It was but a short time till the sharp crack of the wagon- 
er's whip, and the sound of the ax in the surrounding 
grove, had died away. At last not a voice or the sound 
of a solitary footfall on the withered leaves disturbed the 
stillness of our devotions. The whole scene conspired to 
remind one of the address to the Hebrew prophet, "Take 
off thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon 
thou standest is holy ground." It was soon apparent, 
even to the careless, that no ordinary personage was lead- 
ing the devotion of the people of Grod at that hour. 
Brother Christie, after praying for the sanctification of 
the people of God, the conversion of sinners, and the 
success of the meeting in general, began to plead most 
eloquently with almighty God, if consistent with his 
will in the government of the world, to "stop up the 
bottles of heaven" and give us "fair weather" in which 
to continue our worship in the tented grove. Never 
shall I forget the sublime portions of the word of God 
which were quoted in his prayer, with great power and 
singular appropriateness. I will name a few; such as, 
"Behold God is great; for he maketh small the drops of 
water : they pour down rain according to the vapor there- 
of, which the clouds do drop and distill upon man 
abundantly. For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the 



86 FOOT- PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

eartli; likewise tlie small rain, and the great rain of his 
strength Also, by watering he wearieth the thick cloud : 
he scattereth his bright cloud. And it is turned round 
about, so that they may do whatsoever he commandeth 
them upon the face of the world in the earth.'' He also 
addressed the Almighty as the God of providence — as 
able to send or withhold the rain at his pleasure — as 
causing it to come for "correction for his land or for 
mercy," and as "causing it to rain on one city and not 
on another j" and as working every thing after the coun- 
sels of his own will, and that " snow and vapor, stormy 
wind, rain and hail,'^ all fulfilled his word, and then 
quoted, with pathos and resistless power, the entire his- 
tory of Elijah on Mount Carmel, and closed by quoting a 
verse from the hymn sung at the close of the sermon : 

" Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 
But trust him for his grace, 
Behind a frowning providence 
He hides a smiling face." 

Never till that day had I known so fully the power and 
efficacy of prayer; and never before did I witness such a 
striking and remarkable answer to prayer. The minister 
on that occasion seemed to converse with Grod "face to 
face," as a man with his friend. As the petitioner ap- 
proached nearer, and nearer still the "mercy-seat," 
sprinkled with the blood of the Son of God, his faith 
waxed stronger and stronger till " HE prevailed with 
God ;" and the humble, fervent prayer of the suppliant 
was almost instantly answered. Hundreds of "living 
witnesses" at this day would unite their testimony to 
mine in confirmation of this wonderful interposition of 
God in answer to the prayer of his faithful servant. Be- 
fore the close of that ever-memorable prayer, all felt that 
"the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and that his 
ear is open unto their cry," and that the effectual^ fervent 



CAMP MEETING SCENE. 



87 



prayer of a righteous man availeth mucli. Before lie 
^'left oiF speaking/^ or wliile he was yet prayings God 
turned aside the storm^ and the bright cerulean was seen 
through the disparting clouds. Never did a more cheei'- 
ful and luminous light gladden the hearts of God's 
ancient people in the wilderness than shone out upon the 
tents of our Israel in the grove that day. As it respects 
my own observation, I had never seen it on this wise be- 
fore. That was a memorable day to sinners, And there 
was no day like that before, or after it, that the Lord 
hearkened unto the voice of a man.'' I know that a 
skeptical philosophy will sneer at this statement, and ob- 
ject to it as being inconsistent with the uncJiangeahleness 
of God. I reply, facts speak for themselves. The Bible 
abounds with many encouraging examples of the efl&cacy 
of prayer. I do not say that prayer has any inherent 
efficacy to move God — like every other means, like the 
food we eat, it derives its efficacy from the appointment 
of God — but we do say that prayer is a condition on 
which it seems good to God to put forth his power. In 
the whole compass of divinely-appointed means, prayer 
occupies the highest place and possesses the mightiest 
efficacy. And why ? It passes by all secondary means, 
and makes its way right straight to God; it puts aside 
every human hand, and goes at once to the arm of God, 
enters the presence of the Eternal, and makes its appear- 
ance at his throne. There it enables the suppliant to 
take hold of the strength op God, and in a sense iden- 
tifies himself with the Almighty Power." It was so in 
the case to which I have just referred. An infidel, who 
had jast rode up on horseback in the rear of the pulpit, 
was awakened during the prayer, and sought religion 
during that meeting, and at the close of brother Chris- 
tie's sermon on the next Monday morning, joined the 
Church, and lived a useful member of the Church the 



88 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



many years^ and now swells the number of the redeemed 
in heaven. 

On Sabbath, at 11 A. M., Rev. H. B. Bascom, D. D., 
preached a most eloquent and pathetic discourse, from. 
" All hail ! he is risen." Brother Christie preach- 
ed on Monday morning, from, There hath no temp- 
tation taken you, but such as is common to man^ 
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted 
above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also 
make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 
The sermon was argumentative throughout, and produced 
a powerful impression on the minds of the audience. It 
was the first time Dr. Bascom had heard him, and in my 
hearing he pronounced the discourse a ^'masterly ef- 
fort;" and, I may add, such was the opinion of the 
audience. If, at the commencement of our meeting, like 
one of old, he prevailed with God," as an intercessor at 
the throne of grace, at its close in the pulpit, he was 
approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be 
ashamed." He was of convincing speech," and, like 
Apolios, '^mighty in the Scriptures." 

After parting with brother Christie at the Russelville 
camp meeting, I did not see him again till I entered the 
traveling connection. I then had frequent opportunities 
of hearing him preach at quarterly meetings and on 
popular occasions. As a profound theologian and suc- 
cessful embassador of the King of kings, brother Christie 
had no superior. The pulpit, pre-eminently, was the 
theater of his greatness, and the sufferings, death, and 
resurrection of Jesus Christ, the themes upon which he 
delighted to dwell. His preaching at our second quar- 
terly meeting on White Oak circuit, in the town of 
Bethel, was attended with matchless displays of the power 
of God. The sermon on Sabbath morning was especially 
attended with uncommon unction. I had never wit- 



CAMP MEETING SCENE. 89 

nessed any thing like it before or since. It had an over- 
whelming effect upon the audience. I will endeavor to 
give a brief description of the whole scene as it passed 
before me on that never-to-be-forgotten occasion. At 
the close of the solemn and impressive introductory 
services, brother Christie announced as his text the 
beautiful words of St. Peter, Blessed be the God and 
father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his 
abundant mercy, hath begotten us again to a lively hope, 
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an 
inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not 
away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the 
power of Grod, through faith, unto salvation, ready to be 
revealed in the last day." The theme or burden of the 
discourse was the resurrection of Christ from the dead — 
a subject with which the mind of the speaker was per- 
fectly familiar. On all occasions brother Christie was 
fluent in language, chaste in diction, and strong in argu- 
ment, evincing a critical knowledge of the peculiar doc- 
Irines of the Gospel. I never heard him argue with the 
same power and clearness as on that occasion. He rea- 
soned like a ^^wise master builder'' for more than an hour 
and thirty minutes. He did not fail to carry conviction 
to the understanding and conscience of the enchained 
multitude, who listened with breathless attention to the 
words of wisdom that fell from his lips. Having refuted 
every infidel objection brought against the resurrection 
of Christ, and vanquished all his most subtile adversaries, 
and spoiled them of their armor," rising with the in- 
spiration of his subject, he began to speak of the ^^in- 
heritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not 
away," with a fervor and pathos that could only be im- 
parted by the Holy Spirit. The effect of his triumphant 
peroration, no language can possibly describe. As he 
continued to speak in the most eloquent and soul-stirring 



90 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



strains of the fadeless inheritance, he seemed as if 
^'caught up to the third heavens," and was simply de- 
scribing with confidence, 

" What lie had felt and seen." 

And as he spoke of the certainty of its revelation,'' at 
the last day, unto all such as are ^' kept by the power of 
God through faith," the efi"ect upon the audience was 
electric, and almost overpowering. I was alone with him 
in the pulpit; my colleague and other ministers present 
had taken seats in the altar, that they might be able to 
hear and see the speaker to better advantage. On a 
sudden, while soaring upward on the "wings of faith," 
and speaking of our future inheritance in strains "as 
sweet as angels use," he threw his arms in a circular 
form above his head — a gesture peculiar to himself, and 
one that characterized his last dying moments — and then, 
suiting the action to his words, he stepped up on the seat 
by my side, in the rear of the old pulpit, and pointed 
upward to heaven, apparently unconscious of the extraor- 
dinary influence he was exerting upon his audience. 
The "power of Christ rested upon him," and an un- 
earthly radiance was visible in his countenance. An 
intelligent lady has frequently told me, the appearance of 
brother Christie at the moment he assumed his position 
on the seat in front of the pulpit window, was not earthly, 
but "angelic;" and that with the circular motion of 
his arms a rainbow of glory seemed to encircle his per- 
son, and sit enthroned upon his brow. But it was not 
long after this till the sweet and melting strains of this 
highly-honored "legate of the skies," were drowned by 
the piercing cries of the penitent, and the loud hosan- 
nas of the "redeemed of the Lord." Some of the 
ministers in the altar arose from their seats and em- 
braced each iherwith joyful hearts; after which, they 



CAMP MEETING SCENE. 



91 



sank down prostrate for a season, on the floor, and then 
shouted aloud in honor of Him ^^who was dead, but is 
alive again.'' The congregation was completely over- 
whelmed with the majesty and glory of God. Sinners 
cried for mercy, backsliders were restored, and the people 
of God were clad with the garments of praise, and 
shouted for joy and gladness of heart. Every one was 
ready to exclaim, How dreadful is this place ! this is 
none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of 
heaven.'^ It was more than one hour after the close of 
the sermon before the congregation retired from that 
sacred mount of Gospel privilege. 

" How sweet and awful is the place, 
With Christ within the doors, 
Where everlasting Love displays 
The choicest of her stores !" 

Such, dear reader, is only a faint outline of a scene of 
which I was permitted to be an eye-witness. " When 
the multitude saw it they glorified God, which had given 
such power unto men." Others "mocked/' while some 
'^were amazed and filled with fear," and returned to their 
homes, saying, "We have seen strange things to- 
day." 

It was no uncommon occurrence for brother Christie to 
close his sermons by falling upon his knees to make his 
final appeal to the unconverted portion of his audience. 
At such times his fervent appeals to the hearts and con- 
sciences of the ungodly were irresistible, and often at- 
tended with happy results. On one occasion, while 
preaching at Georgetown, at the close of a powerful 
and argumentative sermon, he fell upon his knees and 
began to plead with sinners, "in Christ's stead," to be- 
come reconciled to God. It was not long afterward till 
nearly all the congregation rose up and voluntarily fell 
upon their knees also. The scene was similar to the one 



92 



FOOT- PR I NTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



at the laying of the foundation of the second temple ; 
some wept with a loud voice, and many shouted aloud for 
joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of 
the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the 
people; for "the people shouted with a great shout, and 
the noise was heard afar off." At this time I was sitting 
in the remotest corner from the pulpit ; near me several 
young men were still sitting on their seats. A brother 
P., a most singular man, but fuU of faith and the 
Holy Spirit, cried out at the top of his voice, "In the 
name of the Lord God of Elijah, I command you to get 
upon your knees also, and ask God to have mercy upon 
your souls, and save you from the damnation of hell." 
They almost instantly obeyed his positive command, and 
the whole audience were upon their knees while brother 
Christie finished his eloquent appeals. 

At the close of that same meeting, he made the most 
solemn appeal to the unconverted that I ever heard from 
human lips. It was at the close of a solemn sacramental 
service. He commenced his address by saying, "Go 
home, aged sinner, and as you pass over the threshold 
of the sanctuary, remember;" and then addressing the 
young men in the same manner, he said, " Go home, and 
as you go, remember," etc. Such pungent and heart- 
searching appeals I had never heard before. When the 
benediction was pronounced, the audience dispersed 
without exchanging the customary greetings or kind 
words of parting. It was like the parting of friends and 
neighbors at the grave of some loved friend. Every one 
seemed deeply engaged with his own heart, as if soon to 
fippear at the "judgment-seat of Christ, to give an ac- 
count of himself." 




SCENES AT A WATERING-PLACE 



93 



CHAPTER XI. 

SCENES AT A FASHIONABLE WATERING-PLACE. 

In consequence of the distressed state of my mind, my 
healuli began rapidly to decline, and my physician advised 
me to go to the springs. I accordingly went to the Lower 
Blue Licks, in the state of Kentucky. This' place was at 
that time a very fashionable resort, and was numerously 
attended during that season. I had never visited such a 
place before, and I was shocked to witness so much pro- 
fanity and drunkenness. I had not been there long be- 
fore I wished myself home again, but I finally concluded 
to remain a few days and test the medical virtues of the 
Lick water. I spent much of my time in retirement, 
reading, meditation, and prayer. When in the parlor I 
was often solicited to engage in playing cards, or some 
other sinful amusement, and when I refused to engage in 
any of them, I soon perceived that my company was no 
longer desirable. 

At length the Sabbath dawned upon us, and a most 
beautiful day it was. how I longed for communion 
with the people of Grod ! I had never before witnessed ^ 
such a total disregard of the holy Sabbath day. The 
weather was now oppressively warm, and groups of card- 
players might be seen under every green tree in the front 
yard. My soul was pained within me; I could not en- 
dure the sight. I retired to an "upper room'^ to read 
my Bible, and to hold communion with my Savior. This 
was soon observed by some who had ascertained that I 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It 
was not long till I became the "song of the drunkard.'' 
About nine o'clock some young men of the "baser sort," 
assembled under the shade of a locust-tree to make sport 



94 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



of the religion of Christ. They sang songs and exhorted; 
laughed; and responded ^^Amen/' "Lord grant it/' etc. 
They wound up their profane exercises by holding a mock 
class meeting, in which they related their experience 
with the same tone of voice and peculiar manner of some 
of my old acquaintances at M. One of them would occa- 
sionally shout and clap his hands, and the others would 
audibly respond "Amen!" While they were occupying 
the "seat of the scorner/' I took out my "diary" and 
recorded the transaction, with the names of the principal 
actors; first, that it might be more deeply engraven on 
my own mind; and, secondly, to see if such wicked con- 
duct would not be followed by the judgments of a justly- 
ofi'ended God. In this I was not mistaken. The principal 
performer. Captain B., committed suicide at the Pearl- 
Street Hotel, in the city of Cincinnati, about two weeks 
afterward. Mr. W., who was the son of a distinguished 
gentleman, once the governor of Pennsylvania, died sud- 
denly in the streets of the city of M. in about three 
months from the time he was making sport of the Meth- 
odists in a mock meeting at the springs. Another, when 
last heard from, was fiddling in drunken saloons for the 
amusement of bystanders. I doubt not he has long since 
died as the fool dieth, and filled a drunkard's grave. 

After my return home time passed slowly away. I was 
disqualified in mind and body for any business whatever, 
because my heart was no longer in it. I visited the city 
of Cincinnati, and intended to stay several weeks, but 
was so discontented in mind I only remained a short 
time. On my return trip on board the steamboat, I met 
with Doctor V., who taught me the first rudiments of the 
English language when a child. The meeting was mu- 
tually agreeable. We talked of the past, and of our 
prospects for the future. He was now engaged in the 
manufacture of iron on the waters of Ohio Brush creek. 



SCENES AT A WATERING-PLACE. 



95 



Little did I think at that time I should ever be at the 
same place assisting him in his business. Surely the 
^^ways of God are past finding out." We parted at R,. 
and, in company with some friends, I concluded to take a 
pleasure-trip up the Ohio as far as Pittsburg and Browns- 
ville, hoping it would bring some relief to my troubled 
spirit. The first few days of our voyage was delightful ] 
but at Marietta we learned the painful intelligence that 
the cholera was prevailing at several places above on the 
river. This news spread alarm and dismay among the 
passengers. Our pleasure was all at an end. 'Tears 
were on every side/' and the stoutest hearts were afraid 
as our boat came near to the several landings on our up- 
ward journey. On our arrival at AVheeling we found the 
disease spreading all over the city, the deaths averaging 
about fourteen or fifteen each day. None of the passen- 
gers were willing to go ashore, although a number of 
them had intended to land there, and take the stage- 
coach for Baltimore. All were filled with consternation 
and dismay, and concluded to remain on board the boat 
till they reached the city of Pittsburg. I shall never for- 
get that day. I did not feel afraid to die, yet I wept like 
a child to think that I should likely die among strangers 
before my return. The sorrows of my heart were greatly 
augmented by the reflection that, like Jonah, I was fleeing 
from the presence of the Lord. 

Our boat left the landing a little before the sun went 
down. I spent a night of sleeplessness and indescribable 
misery. I felt the hand of the Lord resting upon me. 1 
knew I deserved his chastisements for running away from 
my duty so long. I could neither eat nor sleep. ''The 
spirit of a man may sustain his infirmity, but a wounded 
spirit, who can bear?'' 

The next day, as we approached the town of Steuben- 
ville, I went to the captain of the boat and tcvld him that 



96 



rOOT-PRINTS OF AN 



ITINERANT. 



he must put me ashore. He was astonished, and remon 
strated with me against pursuing such a dangerous course. 
The citizens of this place were unwilling that the boat 
should land; for fear of conveying the plague from Wheel- 
ing. I went ashore in the yawl. It was a lovely day in 
the early part of June. I remained there till the next 
Monday. On Sabbath I went to class meeting and 
preaching, but felt as though Grod had ^'set a mark upon 
me," as one who was ashamed of his cross. During the 
Sabbath I prayed much and read the word of Grod at the 
hotel. On Monday I journeyed to Cadiz and as far as 
Cambridge; from thence to Zanesville, and via Lancaster 
to the city of Chillicothe. Between Lancaster and Chil- 
licothe I traveled alone in the coach during one of the 
most terrific thunder-storms I ever witnessed. With the 
aid of the gleaming lightning the driver kept in the 
read, and God protected me from any harm. At Chilli- 
cothe I found that I had but little strength left, but I 
was so anxious to get home that I concluded to proceed. 
Between Bainbridge and Sinking Springs I became very 
sick. .1 asked the driver to stop and put me out. He 
remonstrated, and told me I should certainly die if left 
there among such people, and so far from any place where 
medical assistance could be obtained. I concluded to go 
on, but was no longer able to sit up. The driver removed 
the middle seat, and I laid down in the coach till we ar- 
rived at the Springs. I found an old friend living there, 
and tarried with him during the night. I slept but little, 
and the next day proceeded on horseback as far as the 
"crossings of Brush creek," beyond Jacktown. Before I 
reached this point I was attacked with bilious fever. I 
went into the house of Mr. S. and asked for a bed on 
which to lie down and die, and for three days I was un- 
conscious of all that passed around me. 1 there promised 
Crodj if he would not cut me off in the morning of my 



SCENES AT A W A TE R I N G-- P L A C E . 97 

days, I would become an embassador of tbe Gospel. As 
soon as I made tbis promise my fever abated, and I was 
soon so far recovered as to be able to ride on horseback 
as far as West Union, in Adams county, Ohio. 

I stall never forget tbe kindness of this family to me 
in the time of need. When I first recovered so far as to 
be able to recognize any one, I saw the mother and one 
of her daughters sitting in my room all bathed in tears. 
They had watched day and night around my bed, and 
ministered to all my wants. The Lord reward them with 
the blessings of his salvation here, and in the world to 
come give them eternal life ! 

At West Union I went to class meeting, and at the 
close of the exercises I asked permission to tell them ^' all 
that had befallen me in the way,'' and how the Lord had 
met me and laid his hand of affliction upon me because 
of my unwillingness to go and preach his Gospel. I then 
told them with tears "I could hold out no more;" I had 
promised the Lord to do my duty, if he would again 
restore my health, and return me in safety to my friends. 
While I was speaking some wept, and others shouted for 
joy, and at the close of their little meeting the most of 
them came up and shook me by the hand and told me to 
^'be of good cheer," and go on my way rejoicing. how 
their words refreshed the heart of the stranger! That 
night I rested well, and the next day my appetite was as 
much improved as my spirits. The dark clouds were all 
gone, and the Sun of righteousness arose in full-orbed 
glory upon my soul. 

In a few days I reached home in safety, but almost 
wasted to a skeleton. I had been absent only about four 
weeks, and but few know, even to this hour, any thing 
about the journey I had performed, or the strange deal- 
ings of God to my soul. 

9 



98 



FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER XII. 

riRST RELIGIOUS EXERCISES IN PUBLIC. 

The ciiolera was now spreading all over tlie country, 
and many were dropping suddenly into the grave. Many 
of my youthful companions and class-mates were among 
the number. I had now fully made up my mind to re- 
main at R., but the Lord overruled my designs and pur- 
poses in an unexpected hour. The reader will recollect 
that on my first tour for health on the river^ I accident- 
ally met with my old schoolmaster, a very excellent phy- 
sician, who had retired from practice, and was then in the 
iron business at Ohio Brush creek. About this time I 
received a letter from him inviting me to accept a clerk- 
ship at the forge, of which he at that time was manager. 

This seemed to me a strange providence. I mentioned 
it to some business men of my acquaintance and found 
that it met their cordial approval. After communing 
with my parents I. concluded to accept the ofTer; but 
when the time fixed for my departure arrived I was un- 
willing to go. The cholera was on the increase, and I 
dreaded the thought of being separated from my friends 
during the prevalence of the epidemic. My parents 
did not wish to detain me, as my health was very poor. 
My sister at length addressed me as follows: "^ly dear 
brother, do not shrink from doing your duty : go, and the 
Lord go with you. He has promised that no plague shall 
come nigh our dwelling; and should you be called to die 
among strangers, remember it is just as nigh to glory 
from the hills of Brush creek as from the banks of the 
beautiful Ohio. When separated our prayers will follow 
you.'' The next morning I took an afi"ectionate leave of 
my aged parents and only sister, and started for my new 



FIRST RELIGIOUS EXERCISES IN PUBLIC. 99 



home in tlie county of Adams. The location of the forge 
was in a very healthy region of country. I was kindly 
received by Doctor Y., and taken to board in his family. 
In the course of a few days I became very gloomy, and, in 
the absence of the Doctor, I started home as far as the 
town of W. Here I was met by a kind friend, who per- 
suaded me to go back to the forge. In a short time after 
this I went back and engaged in business, and was per- 
fectly happy. All my inward struggles about entering 
the ministry were gone, and my former flow of spirits had 
returned. I was now among strangers who had no knowl- 
edge of my religious history, and I fondly hoped to be 
permitted to serve Grod in peace. 

The first Sabbath after my arrival at the iron establish- 
ment I attended preaching at the house of brother S., 
and was much surprised to find that that appointment was 
in the bounds of the same circuit with the place from 
which I had just removed. When I went in Kev. H. T. 
was engaged in preaching from these words: ^^Why,. 
then, is not the health of the daughter of my people 
recovered?'^ Among the many reasons which he assigned 
T can only remember one at this time. ''Many,^' said he, 
^'I believe, are still in their sins because some of those 
called of Grod to preach his Gospel are unwilling to do 
it.'' And then to my utter astonishment went on to re- 
mark, that he felt it his duty to inform the congregation 
that there was just such a young man in the audience, 
who had lately come from R. to reside at the forge, and 
then closed by saying, that he hoped the society there 
would give me no "rest for the soles of my feet" in all 
that region, unless I would consent to discharge my duty, 
and warn sinners to ^'flee from the wrath to come.'' At 
first I felt like getting up at the conclusion of the sermon 
to resent it, but before I had the opportunity I was com- 
pletely subdued and melted into tears. I exclaimed : "O 



100 rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

my Grod ! wliat shall I do ? Gro where I will, I am pur- 
sued by the Church and her ministry. It would be 
^ better for me to die than live !' What can I say that 
would profit those who are denominated scoffers about the 
forge ?" While thus communing with myself brother T 
concluded his sermon, and called upon me to exhort. I 
was ^^constrained by the Spirit" to yield, and I made the 
effort, and God powerfully blessed my own soul and the 
congregation also. 

On my way home from that meeting I made up my 
mind to exhort on all proper occasions, and to try and do 
all the good that I possibly could among the colliers and 
forgemen, most of whom were very wicked and profligate. 
Accordingly I made appointments in that neighborhood 
every Sabbath, and God poured his Holy Spirit out upon 
the people, and many were soon awakened and happily 
converted. I now enjoyed the satisfaction' of knowing 
that some who had long been hardened in crime, were 
seeking the Savior. I was soon styled by the colliers 
their ^^young preacher,'^ many of whom were ready to 
fight for me when any one would attempt to disturb me in 
the discharge of my duties. It was not long before I be- 
gan to discover that God had cast my lot among the quiet 
hills of Brush creek for some good object. I realized the 
truth of the declaration of the prophet, ^'0 Lord, I know 
that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man 
that walketh to direct his steps." Jer. x, 23. On every 
side I found '^an open door" for usefulness. The man 
with whom I boarded had been a very successful phy- 
sician, and still kept medicines for his workmen. During 
his absence I would visit the sick, and pray with themj 
often in the night I have gone several miles to visit sick 
persons in the neighborhood. My health soon improved, 
and my religious enjoyments were greatly increased also 
while going about "doing good." 



FIRST RELIGIOUS EXERCISES IN PUBLIC. 101 

The winter and spring passed rapidly away. During 
the summer my brethren renewed their efforts to induce 
me to receive license to preach, but without success. I 
thought I might be as useful to remain as I was. I ex- 
horted frequently, and held meetings as often as my 
health would permit. This I thought, at times, was all 
that .Grod required; but my mind, however, was almost 
constantly harassed upon the subject of preaching. 
Often when walking or riding along the highways I 
have been caught exhorting or preaching aloud, before 
I was aware of it. Many a time when riding in the 
forest alone, or over the hills about the iron works, I 
have dismounted and stood upon a log and gave vent to 
the emotions of my soul in calling sinners to repentance. 
This the reader may think strange conduct, but God's 
hand was upon me polishing my soul for usefulness in 
after life. I waxed bolder every month, and instead of 
shunning the cross I sought out opportunities to speak to 
sinners of the matchless love of God. I began to wonder 
why it was that I ever had been unwilling to exhort my 
fellow-men to "flee the wrath to come.'^ 

The last quarterly meeting for this year on West Union 
circuit was held at Hopewell Chapel, July 19, 1834. The 
late Eev. John Ferree was acting as presiding elder. At 
this meeting I was licensed to preach by mistake. Of 
this I had no knowledge till more than two weeks after 
my return from the meeting. At the close of the quar- 
terly meeting conference the presiding elder handed me 
my license to exhort, as I supposed, regularly renewed by 
the order of the quarterly meeting conference. I placed 
it in my pocket-book without reading it over, for I had re- 
ceived several of the same kind before. About two weeks 
after my return to my home Dr. Y. asked me how I was 
pleased with our new presiding elder? I answered, very 
well. 1 then remarked that he renewed my license to 



102 rooT-PRiNTs or an itinerant. 

exhort. I then looked in my pocket-book for the docu- 
ment to examine his autograph; but to my astonishment, 
instead of finding my license '^renewed as an exhorter/' I 
found that the paper read precisely as follows : 

^^The license of Maxwell P. Gaddis as a preacher in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, is hereby renewed. 

^^Done by order of the quarterly meeting conference 
for West Union circuit, held at Hopewell meeting-house, 
July 19, 1834. John Ferree, P. E.'^ 

I soon discovered that a wrong blank had been filled 
up for me, either by the elder or secretary of the con- 
ference. Brother Ferree afterward assured me that he 
knew nothing of this matter till I told him, but when he 
handed me the license supposed it was all right. For a 
time Doctor Y. made himself merry over it, and told me 
I was now a preacher, and must preach for them the next 
Sabbath at the forge. At length the conversation as- 
sumed a more serious turn, and he remarked to me as 
follows : ^'Now, after all, Mr. Gaddis, there may be a good 
providence in this singular afi'air ! Your friends have 
been urging you for a long time to receive license to 
preach, and you would not consent. Now I would advise 
you to preach at your appointment on the hill next Sab- 
bath, and if any one calls in question your authority for 
so doing, tell them the presiding elder gave you license at 
the last quarterly meeting.". I replied, ^^I will, and then 
I will be better able to decide whether it is my duty to 
enter the ministry." 

This was in the early part of the week. I prayed much 
by day and night, but did not fully conclude what to do 
till early on Sabbath morning. As I rode along to my 
appointment I said, "The Lord being my helper, I will 
TRY." The house was full, and many were sitting and 
standing outside near the doors and windows. After 



CONVERSION OF A YOUNG LADY. 



103 



singing and prayer I arose and announced for my first 
text the following beautiful words: '^Come thou with us 
and we will do thee good, for the Lord hath spoken good 
concerning Israel." While I was speaking the Holy 
Ghost fell upon the congregation, many shouted aloud for 
joy, and sinners who were standing outside of the house 
wept like little children. I was made strong by the Spirit 
to speak the word without much embarrassment, to my 
great surprise. The ice was now broken, and the news 
spread abroad that Mr. G-., after refusing so long to 
preach, had at last begun the work. 

I preached on the following Sabbath, and also the next, 
in another part of the country. I had thus unwittingly 
committed myself, and whenever I thought of ceasing to 
preach, these words would ring in my ears: '^No man 
having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit 
for the kingdom of God." I was now urged to make ap- 
pointments far and near, but I confined my feeble labors 
to the regions most contiguous to the forge. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

REMARKABLE CONVERSION OF A YOUNG 
LADY. 

The following Sabbath I attended the funeral of 
Miss S. W., in the town of W. The sermon was 
preached by Rev. John Meek, from these words : Com- 
fort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." Isaiah 
xl, 1. He first briefly described the people of God, and 
then spoke of the periods in which they needed comfort, 
and also the means employed to comfort them. The text 
and the sermon were both appropriate for the occasion, 



104 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

as the reader will learn from tlie subsequent narration. 
I was well acquainted with the life and character of the 
deceased. She was the daughter of an aged widow, and 
the only child she had with her to administer consolation 
in her declining years. The daughter was greatlj be- 
loved by all who knew her. Her death, and the melan- 
choly circumstances which surrounded her at the close 
of her earthly career, had called together a vast concourse 
of people. I will here narrate her painful history. About 
twelve months previous to her death she attended a Meth- 
odist camp meeting. Before the close of the meeting, 
she, with many of her youthful companions, was brought 
to the foot of the cross as an earnest seeker of religion. I 
was an eye-witness to the deep struggles of her heart. 
It was a long and sore conflict, but at last she was blessed 
with the evidence of her adoption into the family of 
God. I never saw any one more perfectly happy, and 
she continued in this tranquil and joyful state for more 
than one hour, when, on a sudden, she was strongly 
tempted to doubt the change which had been wrought in 
her heart. The sequel is painfully instructive. She 
began to reason with the adversary, and thoughtlessly, in 
an unguarded moment, ^^cast away her confidence." I 
then heard her exclaim, in a mournful tone of voice, ^^0, 
WHY DID I LET MY Savior GO?" The ministers were 
called into the tent to comfort her. We all tried to 
soothe the anguish of her wounded spirit, but noth- 
ing that was said seemed to cheer her sorrow-stricken 
soul. The meeting closed, and still she was tempted to 
believe that she should never again recover her " hope in 
Christ." Every effort was made, after her return home, 
to convince her that by faith in Christ she might again 
be made to rejoice as before; but it was all in vain. 
She soon lost all relish for society, and gradually settled 
down into a cheerless state of melancholy and starless 



CONVERSION OE A YOUNG LADY. 105 



gloom. This was followed by a long night of dark de- 
spair, without one ray of hope. I often visited her, but 
she refused all spiritual comfort, often saying that there 
was not one promise in the Bible that would meet her 
peculiar case, How can 1," she would frequently say, 
after having been converted, and then so soon to be- 
lieve the tempter instead of Grod, ever expect any thing 
else but the displeasure of my Maker? I have no one 
to blame but myself. 0, yes, I know it is all right, and 

' If my soul is sent to hell, 
His righteous law approves it well.' " 

Her health rapidly declined, and it was apparent to her 
friends that her time was short. Her case excited much 
interest and sympathy among all her acquaintances. She 
had, it may be, committed " the sin unto death " of the 
body, and gradually sunk into the tomb. But, thanks 
and honor be unto Him that was once dead, but now 
liveth to make intercession for the guilty! a short 
time before the hour of dissolution, the Sun of righteous- 
ness broke in upon her dark and bewildered soul, like 
the natural sun after a dark and gloomy night. He who 
is styled mighty to save,'' plucked her out of the jaws of 
the enemy, pressed her to his bleeding heart, and bade 
her weep no more. Her last moments were full of hope 
and gladness, ecstatic joy beamed from her angelic coun- 
tenance, and she went down into the dark valley" with 
the voice of thanksgivings and loud halleluiahs. 

" Touched by the cross, we live or more than die ; 
That touch with charm celestial heals the soul 
Diseased, drives pain from guilt, lights life in death, 
Turns earth to heaven, to heavenly forms transforms 
The ghastly ruins of the moldering grave." 

At one of my appointments, the third or fourth Sab- 
bath after I commenced preaching, the Lord, in answer 
to my prayer, sent an arrow of conviction to the heart of 



l06 FOOT-PRINTS OE AN ITINERANT. 

one of the most influential men in all that neighborhood 
I was speaking from these words : The whole have no 
need of a physician^ but they that are sick." Before I 
closed my remarks^ he trembled and cried out, with an 
audible voice, for Grod to have mercy upon his soul. 1 
knew not what to do ; I was not authorized to take him 
into the Church, but, blessed be God ! he soon afterward 
found peace in believing. 

I was now very happy all the time. I never attempted 
to make a public effort without receiving a rich baptism to 
refresh my weary spirit. My life was one of great peace 
when alone. The Lord had delivered me out of great 
and sore troubles.'' 0, yes, he brought me through 
fire and water into a wealthy place." At this time, I 
find the following record in my brief diary," which I 
resolved to keep, although oppressed with my business 
engagements : 

Brush Creek Forge, Sejptemher 3, 1834. — This morning 
I have commenced reading the Bible through in regular 
order. I hope to have grace to enable me to continue. 
that God would '^open my eyes to behold wondrous 
things out of his law !" The past summer has been a 
trying one on my weak constitution, but, thanks be to 
God ! my health is better at the present time. Surely, 
the Lord has been very good in lengthening out my days. 
0, I feel that I am the most unworthy. 

*' 0, -who hath tasted of thy clemency, 
In larger measure more oft than I? 
Which way so e'er I turn my face or feet, 
I taste thy goodness, and thy glory meet." 

October 20. — To-day I have been tempted as to the 
true character of my motives ; but, upon strict examina- 
tion, I can truly say I desire above all things to promote 
the glory of God and save my own soul." We had a 
good prayer meeting last night, and several penitents 



CONVERSION OF A YOUNG LADY. 107 

came forward for prayers. that each one of them may 
soon find the pearl of great price ! 

October 22. — Recently I have had some sore trials, 
but the Lord has been my helper in time of need. 
Though all of these trials have been unexpected, his 
grace has been sufficient. I enjoyed some precious 
seasons in secret devotions last week. My health is im- 
proving, and I hope soon to be able to serve G-od and his 
Church to better purpose. 0, may I ever be teachahhy 
and do all the good I can ! Bought Wesle/s Sermons. 

October 25. — Attended quarterly meeting, at brother 
W.^s, on Brush Creek circuit. I took an active part in 
all the meetings, and labored beyond my strength ; but, 
thanks be to God ! I now feel happy, in the reflection that 
I tried to discharge my duty. I wish to live and die in 
the service of God, with my armor on. 

February 18, 1835. — Since I last wrote in my diary, 
I have passed through a variety of sore afflictions, both 
of body and mind; but the Lord has preserved me in 
safety to this hour. 

On the 14th instant, at West Union, I was licensed 
by the approbation of the quarterly meeting conference, 
as a local preacher. I will here make a record of my 
license, which reads as follows : 

Maxwell P. Gaddis is hereby licensed as a local 
preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, so long as 
his spirit and practice shall accord with the doctrines 
and discipline of said Church. West Union circuit, 
Cincinnati district, Ohio annual conference. 

Signed, Leroy Swormstedt, P. E. 

-'February 14, 1835.'' 

I feel sensible of my weakness, and much like shrink- 
ing from the cross. God grant that I may yet be a 
workman that needeth not to be ashamed! "Lord help 
me Amen. 



108 



FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER XIY. 

HAPPY DEATH OE MY FATHER. 

After I was regularly licensed as a local preacher I 
was perfectly satisfied, and resolved to live with a single 
eye to the glory of Grod. I thought I would still attend 
to iny secular pursuits, and preach on the Sabbath; but I 
would never yield to the importunities of my friends to 
join the itinerancy — . 

" Not a "vrave of trouble rolled 
Across my peaceful breast." 

But new and sore troubles were in store for me. It was 
not long after I obtained license as a local preacher that I 
received intelligence that my father was dangerously ill. 
His disease was dropsy, which at times assumed a very 
threatening aspect. I immediately made arrangements 
to pay him a visit. I found him very low; but his mind 
unusually clear and peaceful. During all his sickness he 
was favored with a cloudless sky. He loved to converse 
upon the subject of religion with all who visited him 
during his last illness. The fullness of the atonement, 
and the privilege of the believer to know his sins for- 
given, to have even the "full assurance of faith,"' were 
the themes especially upon which he loved to dwell. His 
memory, always good, seemed to be unusually strong and 
retentive during the last few months of his earthly pil- 
grimage. The day before his dissolution he conversed 
freely, and my mother remarked that she was much sur- 
prised to hear him narrate many of the most important 
events in his early history with great precision and accu- 
racy. This visit to my aged parent was sanctified to my 
good. His advice and exhortations will never be forgot- 
ten. I was obliged to return before his death. This hss 



HAPPY DEATH OF MY FATHER. 



109 



always been a source of deep regret. I was not permitted 
to see liim die. The night before my departure he sum- 
moned all his children around his dying bed. I was re- 
quested to lead the devotions. He remarked as follows : 
" Maxwell, my dear son, read for me the eleventh chapter 
of Hebrews, which commences, ^Now faith is the sub- 
stance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not 
eeen,^ etc. This chapter has always been food for my 
poor soul.'' We then joined in singing : 

" My span of life will soon be done, 
The passing moments say, 
As lengthening shadows o'er the mead 
Proclaim the close of day." 

I then tried to pray as well as I could under such af- 
flicting circumstances. When we arose from. our knees, 
father pronounced upon all the children who were present 
his dying blessing," beginning with the eldest. Being 
the youngest child, I was called last to kneel at the side 
of his bed to receive his dying blessing, which was pro- 
nounced upon me in the name of the Father, Son, and 
Holy G-host, with his right hand resting upon my head. 
He then addressed me in the following manner: Max- 
well, my son, I am glad that you have at last consented 
to enter the ministry. I have only to say to you on that 
subject, do not essay to go out to war with the enemies 
of Jesus Christ in the ^ armor of Saul,' or with weapons 
that you have not ^proved,' but, like the stripling David, 
take your sling and staff in your hand and go to the 
brook^ and select smooth stones and put them in a shep- 
herd's bag, and, in the name of the Grod of the armies 
of Israel, go out to ^glorious warfare.' I believe the Lord 
of hosts has called you to this work. My dying prayers 
shall follow you, and I believe you will have great success." 

Early the next morning I bid him a final farewell. 
When I saw him the next time his venerable form was 



no rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

folded in the habiliments of death. On the seventh day 
of April he fell asleep in Jesus. He had suffered much 
during his illness, which was of four months duration. 
When his skin in places was broken by the dropsy, he 
would often repeat many of the sayings of the afflicted 
man of Uz, such as, " Though he slay me, yet will I trust 
in him," and, "Though after my skin worms destroy this 
body, yet in my flesh shall I see Grod, whom I shall see 
for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, though my veins 
be consumed within me.'' Satan was not permitted to 
tempt him during all his affliction. He was calm and 
peaceful, and at times full of praises. No doubts or fears 
disturbed his mind by day or night. He waited with ex- 
emplary patience "all the days of his appointed time." 
The night before his death he appeared considerably bet- 
ter than he had been for some time, his mind unusually 
clear, and memory remarkably retentive. He sat up and 
conversed with a Christian friend till a very late hour, 
talking over the scenes of his childhood, and the goodness 
of God manifested toward him at different periods. At 
length my dear mother interposed and requested him to 
lie down. He slept sweetly the remainder of the night, 
and when breakfast was called arose and took his seat at 
the table. He was very cheerful, and, after drinking a 
part of a cup of coffee, requested to be assisted to bed. 
He soon became dangerously ill, and suffered much tili 
one o'clock, P. M., at which time he was heard to say: 
"Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly I" In a moment 
the severe paroxysms all subsided, and he was very soon 
free from anguish or pain. Addressing his kind phy- 
sician, Doctor Campbell, he said: "When you come to 
where I am now. Doctor, you will find that you have no 
grace to spare. Yet, blessed be Grod ! I have sufficient for 
the time of need. I know if you could prolong my life, 
you would gladly do it; but you need not do any thing 



HAPPY DEATH OP MY PATHER. Ill 

more. ^The time of my departure is at hand/ Before 
the sun went down lie was able to get up again and sit in 
his arm-chair before the fire. To my mother he said: 
'^Wellj my dear, that was the hardest day's work I have 
ever done. But, blessed be Grod! the roughest of the 
journey is behind me. I will soon be home!'' At this 
moment an old acquaintance came in to see him, and 
took him by the hand and kindly inquired if he knew 
him? To which he replied, "0 yes! I know you very 
well," and called him by name. At the suggestion of 
a minister present, this same friend then asked him 
if he "knew Jesus Christ?" At the mention of the 
name of his Savior his countenance beamed with un- 
earthly brightness, and he looked up and smiled, and, 
with a clear, distinct voice, replied: "0 yes! I know 
him very well, indeed! I am Jesus Christ's free 
man! Ife hath bought me with his blood I Is he your 
friend also, Mr. S. ?" These were his last words and 
dying testimony. He then beckoned my mother to lay 
him down again. He adjusted the clothes, folded his 
hands across his bosom, closed his eyes and fell asleep, 
without even a quivering of the muscles of his face. It 
was some time before my mother could satisfy herself 
that his spirit had departed to the realms of bright glory. 

For twenty-eight years he had been a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Ohio. He was regular in 
his attendance on the means of grace. When bowed 
under the weight of threescore and ten years, with his 
staff in his hand, he found his way to the sanctuary. 
The weather was seldom too stormy, or the night too 
dark, to deter him from the place of prayer. He was 
a great lover of class meetings, and took delight in 
dwelling on what he termed the "sure foundation;" the 
atoning blood of Christ; also a "free and full salvation/' 
He was a good man, and full of faith and the Holy 



112 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Ghost. How peaceful his exit! "As a hireling" lie had 
accomplished his day/' but he has performed his part 
well. The laborer is called home ! He was weary and 
faint with the last stage of his journey. But the de- 
sired goal is reached at last. He looks back and ex- 
claims: "The roughest of the journey is all behind me 
now!" The "last beam is shining;" the shadows of 
night approach; he reclines his weary head upon the 
pillow to sleep^ and falls imperceptibly into 

" A calm and undisturbed repose !" 

Such, dear reader, was the death of my father. Is it 
any wonder that one of old exclaimed: "Let me die the 
death of the righteous, and let my last end be like unto 
his?" 

Hew calm, how gentle, bow serene 

Death's shadows gather o'er him ! 
An angel host, with silver sheen, 

To heavenly regions bore him ! 

The unexpected death of my father made a lasting im- 
pression upon my mind. I resolved to be more holy, and 
spend all the time that I could possibly spare from my 
business in trying to win souls to Christ. I generally 
preached every Sabbath with increasing comfort to myself, 
and more acceptability to the people. I was urged by all 
the ministers of my acquaintance to become an itinerant 
minister. This request was now met by the objection, that 
the Doctor with whom I resided would not spare my serv- 
ices from the forge. I was strongly attached to Mr. Y., 
and felt it my duty to remain there for some time to 
come. But how mysterious are the ways of Grod ! The 
Doctor concluded to go to Cincinnati on business, and 
his wife and children went to stay with Mr. Means, his 
father-in-law, during his absence. He reached the city 
in safety, but shortly after his arrival he was attacked 
with cholera, and died the next day at the Cincinnati 



HAPPY DEATH OF MY FATHER. 113 

Hotel, on Front-street. His wife, on hearing the news, 
was unwilling to return home, but remained at her 
father's residence till her property was removed or sold. 
I was left in charge of the house to protect their goods, 
till the time appointed for the sale of such things as the 
widow did not desire. Nothing but strong faith in Grod 
enabled me to endure this trial. And to add to my afflic- 
tions the cholera broke out at West Union, and in the 
vicinity of the forge. A few extracts from my diary will 
throw some light upon the dealings of Grod with my soul 
at this critical period : 

May 1, 1835. — It is very sickly at present in this 
neighborhood, but through the mercy of God my health 
is better than when I was licensed to preach. On last 
Sabbath Rev. John Meek came to my appointment at 
brother W.'s residence. I urged him to preach, but he 
declined. Up to this time I had never preached before 
a traveling minister. The cross was very heavy, but the 
Lord was better to me than my fears. Many are dying 
suddenly. may I be fully resigned to the will of Grod! 

June 30, 1835. — I felt very unwell last night, but I 
am nearly well to-day. The work of death goes steadily 
forward in the town of West Union. Praise the Lord 
that my life is still spared ! how weak is my faith ! 
Lord, increase the work of holiness in my poor heart! 
Lord, if thou wilt spare the life of thy servant from the 
dreadful scourge, I will endeavor to be more faithful. I 
will trust in the Lord though he slay me. 

July 5, 1835. — Bless the Lord, my soul, for the 
privileges of another Sabbath I I preached at 10 A. M, 
from Proverbs iii, 6. I felt well while trying to discharge 
my duty, and many others seemed refreshed in spirit also. 
With much trembling I concluded for the first time to 
open the doors of the Church to receive members on trial. 
[ thank God he gave me one soul, a young lady, who 



114 rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 




seemed to be deeply convicted. that before I die t 
may see hundreds converted to God by my labors ! The 
cholera is still prevailing around us. Many of my breth- 
ren and sisters have died during the past week. Among 
those who have fallen at West Union is my dear friend 
Kodgers, a son-in-law of Rev. Greenbury R. Jones. 
that we may all be in readiness when the messenger 
comes to our habitations! ^'Time is short." what a 
fleeting, inconstant world ! It is now nearly two years 
since I came here to reside. How many unexpected 
changes have transpired since then; how many full of 
joy and hope have gone suddenly to the silent tomb ! 
Upon a review of the past two years I believe that I have 
spent them more profitably than any part of my earthly 
existence. But what have I done after all? Nothing! 
nothing ! I am a poor, ^'unprofitable servant.'' Lord, par- 
don my negligence, quicken thou my soul, and wake me 
up for time to come ! 

July 10, 1835. — Quite unwell this evening, and a 
little depressed in spirits; but, thank God! I have peace 
of mind through J esus Christ. I am a wonder to myself. 
^'Lord, make me to know my end, the measure of my days; 
how frail I am." I am poor and needy, but Lord I 
hope in thy mercy. But my love is ''too cold, and my 
faith too weak." How slow I march in the heavenly road ! 
Alas ! how easily I am turned aside by the temptations 
of Satan ! 

" for a closer walk with God, 
A calm and heavenly frame !" 

I desire a lively sense of his presence every hour — the 
evidence that I please God, and stand "accepted in the 
beloved." If I ever needed the sustaining grace of God, 
it is at this very hour; pestilence, disease, and death all 
around me; men's hearts failing them from fear of the 
judgments of God upon this guilty land ! I am here 



REMARKABLE PREMONITION. 



115 



alone, far from home and former friends, but I can saj, 
^'the Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice.'' I will saj of 
the Lord, "he is my refuge/' To him I will fly for safety 
till the '^indignation be overpast." 

July 15, 1835. — Preached this morning at Saterfield's 
meeting-house, on the road leading from the forge to 
West Union. A.i the close of the sermon I again opened 
the doors of the Church for the admission of members, 
and admitted three young persons on trial. that each 
of them may be useful members of the Church, and good 
soldiers of Jesus Christ! The cholera still prevails at 
West Union; it lays hold on the intemperate especially. 
Lord spare thy people ! May none of us ever forsake 
thee ! By Divine assistance I am resolved to suffer all 
the will of Grod. Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget 
not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, 
and healeth all thy diseases ! 



CHAPTER Xy. 

remarkable premonition. 

For many years the society worshiping at brother 
Smith's, about two miles above the forge, had labored 
under serious embarrassment for the want of a suitable 
house of worship. Many efforts had been made to erect 
a meeting-house, but none of them hitherto had suc- 
ceeded. I was induced to open a subscription for this 
purpose, and after getting all in the neighborhood to sub- 
scribe, it only amounted to the sum of ninety dollars. I 
met the society and made my report. After I was done 
making my statement, one of the trustees arose, and re- 
marked that he had previously told me that it was useless 



116 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

to make the effort; and then said he hoped the peace of 
the little society would not soon be disturbed again by 
agitating the subject of church-building, till it was en- 
abled to build without difficulty. I then arose and re- 
plied as follows : "If you wait till you can build 'without 
difficulty/ you will never have a church in this region of 
country. I can assure you, brother, that the difficulty 
spoken of is not in the want of ability, but of a willing- 
ness for each to do his part of the work.'' I then stated 
that if any of the farmers would make us a donation of a 
suitable lot, I would guarantee to build them a good 
house in less than twelve months from that day, with the 
subscription list of ninety dollars in cash. This declara- 
tion produced great laughter, and all of the brethren 
supposed that it was spoken in a jest. I then assured 
them I was in earnest, and if any one had liberality 
enough to meet my proposition, let him speak out. A 
good brother B. arose and donated a lot, near an excel- 
lent stone quarry. We secured a deed and employed 
some hands to quarry a sufficient quantity of stones, and 
then gave a public invitation to the farmers, on a day 
named for that purpose, to come on with their wagons 
and haul the stone to the place marked out for the erec- 
tion of the meeting-house. Every perch of it was hauled 
at the appointed time. Sand and lime were procured in 
the same way. It was not long till the edifice was in- 
closed, and was ready for preaching by the next summer. 
I record this for the purpose of showing what can be 
done when the "people have a mind to work.'' A good 
house of worship might be erected by the farmers in 
many of our destitute settlements in the west, if minis- 
ters would take hold of this matter in good earnest. 

Near the close of the conference year on West Union 
circuit, I was requested to fill an appointment, in the 
vicinity of the forgo, for brother C., who was confined 



REMARKABLE PREMONITION. 117 

ai home by a sudden illness. It was during a very busy 
season^ and I bad a sbort notice, and but little time to 
make suitable preparation. I selected a text; and, as I 
rode along to the appointment, tried to study it as well 
as I could. As I drew near the church, my mind be- 
came very dark, and every point of the discourse vanished 
from me. I tried to revive the train of thought, but it 
had disappeared like the early dew. When I arrived at 
the place for preaching, I discovered a large crowd of un- 
converted persons standing outside of the church. I 
then felt satisfied I had made a wrong selection, but was 
at a loss to know what to do. I could not think of an- 
other text in the Bible from which I could preach, without 
time for preparation. The hour of preaching had now 
arrived, and I could not retreat. I went in and gave out 
a hymn, and, while engaged in prayer, the dark cloud 
passed over, and I immediately felt as though I would be 
willing to preach from any portion of the word of God 
that the Holy Spirit might suggest to my mind. While 
the congregation was singing the second hymn, I opened 
the Bible and prayed fervently that Grod would direct me 
to some suitable text for the occasion. On opening the 
Bible, the first passage that attracted my eye was the 
following: "Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die 
and not live." (Isaiah.) The Spirit of Grod instantly im- 
pressed my mind to make this passage the foundation of 
my discourse. Without any preparation, I announced 
the text, and spoke on the certainty of death and the 
necessity of immediate preparation. The Holy Spirit 
laid bountifully to my hand, and I spoke the word with 
great boldness. Many seemed cut to the heart and wept 
bitterly When the congregation was dismissed, an un- 
usual solemnity prevailed; all departed in silence. On 
my way home I meditated on the singular occurrence, 
and often wondered why it was that the Spirit forbade 



118 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 




my preaching from the text previously selected. Thia 
mystery was soon explained. I learned that on the way 
home from the church of Grod, an unconverted man, by 
the name of Mr. M., remarked to his wife as follows ; 

My dear, I believe I shall die soon; the message of the 
minister to-day was designed for me. I believe God sent 
him to warn me. When the text was announced it fell 
upon my ear like the knell of death ; it sunk down into 
my soul like lead. I have received the sentence of death 
in my body. I am certain I shall die soon, and I am de- 
termined to go about the work of ^setting my house in 
order.' '' She at first tried to cheer him up, but found 
her efforts fruitless. The words of the text sounded in 
his ears by night and by day, ^^Thou shalt die and not 
live.'' He soon became a weeping penitent, and, in 
about one week, was soundly converted to God. Shortly 
afterward he was taken violently ill. He told his fam- 
ily, in the early part of his affliction, that his hour had 
now come. He arranged his temporal affairs, ^^set his 
house in order,'' and died a most peaceful death. Dur- 
ing his sickness he sent for his friends and neighbors, 
and told them the singular manner in which God had 
awakened him, and exhorted them all to seek the Savior. 
He also, a short time before he died, requested his family 
to send for me to preach his funeral sermon, and also re- 
late this singular providence to all who might attend. 
The first Sabbath after his death I complied with his 
dying request, to one of the largest congregations ever 
collected in that settlement. I preached his funeral ser- 
mon from the words so singularly taken from me at the 
church on the day of his awakening, with much freedom 
and enlargement of soul. ^' He will give grace and 
glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that 
walk uprightly." This circumstance and the religious 
interest, wakened up by his unexpected dissolution, was 



REMARKABLE PREMONITION. 



119 



sanctified to the good of many a poor wanderer from the 
Shepherd of souls/' Many resolved to seek the Lord 
and set their house in order. 0, that was a day 1 
shall never forget while I sojourn in this vale of tears ! 

I will now relate the melancholy death of a young man 
who had but recently united in marriage to a young lady, 
the daughter of one of the partners in the iron works. 
At the time of his death they had only been married 
about three months. They had settled on the bank of 
the creek, a short distance from the forge. Early one 
morning he joined a fishing party, and assisted in draw- 
ing a net, till about one o'clock in the afternoon, when 
he was suddenly drowned. I received the news at the 
office before he was recovered from the water. I hast- 
ened to the spot, and assisted in trying to restore him to 
life; but it was all in vain. The vital spark had fled, 
never to return. At the time he sunk to rise no more 
till brought up a lifeless corpse. Rev. James T. Holliday 
was swimming close by his side. They immediately com- 
menced diving after him, but could not find him till it 
was too late. Twenty minutes before the fatal accident 
occurred he had gone up to his house, and inquired how 
his wife was getting along during his absence. It was 
their last meeting in this world. We sent up for Miss 
F., a sister of his wife, and communicated the news to 
her first. When she came down to the creek, she tore 
the hair from her head in bitter anguish, and threw her- 
self on the ground, and exclaimed, in agony, " 0, God, 
who will bear the intelligence to my sister, that her be- 
loved Samuel sleeps in death !" 

That painful task was finally assigned to myself. On 
my way to the house I prayed Grod to give me strength to 
discharge the painful duty. It was some time after I 
went in before I could utter a single word. At last, after 
trying to prepare her mind the best way that I could, i 



120 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



told lier the sorrowful news. Slie fainted and sunk to 
tlie floor, but soon revived, and commenced praying to 
God to have mercy upon her soul. " 0/' said she, " 1 
have been afraid for some time past that something would 
happen to us. Mr. S. and I often talked about it. We 
were so happy in the society of each other that we forgot 
God our Maker! 0, it is just, I know it is ! Now, Mr. 
G., I want you to pray for me; I believe I shall die also; 
and if I die in my present condition I shall be lost for- 
ever." 0, 1 shall never forget that death scene. I spent 
the greater part of that night in praying and trying to 
console that disconsolate widow. I tried to improve the 
occasion at the funeral, for the benefit of the living, and 
have hope that it was sanctified to the good of many 
souls. More than a hundred times did that widow 
promise to give her heart to God and join his Church, if 
her life should be spared. But, alas ! alas ! how the 
''sorrow of the world worketh death!" I have never 
heard of her becoming a child of God. Many of her 
relatives did become truly devoted to the cause of relig- 
ion, and some of them have since died and gone to glory. 
The death of this young man was made a blessing to my 
own soul. I resolved to warn the wicked more faithfully 
than I had ever done before, and I had the happiness of 
seeing some of his associates in sin converted to God. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

MY FIRST CIRCUIT. 

In the fall of the year I found that I had settled up 
the most important part of the business of the firm of 
John Means & Co. The presiding elder wished me to go 
and fill a vacancy on an adjoining circuit, but I declined 



MY riRST CIRCUIT. 



121 



the offer, for fear I miglit be induced to join tlie confer- 
ence. At the last quarterly meeting I was solicited to 
receive a recommendation to the annual conference, to be 
held in Springfield in the fall of 1835, but I would not 
accept it. My friends seemed to be at a loss to know 
what to do farther. However, Rev. John A. Baughman, 
then preacher in charge, told the stewards if they would 
give their consent, he could get nie as a "supply," if 
he could be returned another year without a colleague. 
They authorized him to make any arrangement for them 
he thought best at the session of conference. He was 
accordingly returned as he desired with "one to be sup- 
plied." He had informed the "powers that be" of the 
plan he had devised to engage my services as an " itin- 
erant preacher." I suppose they all said, "/^ is welU^ 
But they were disappointed very soon. At the close of 
the conference I received notice that brother Baughman 
was returned to our circuit without an assistant, and that 
I was to travel with him the current year as the junior 
preacher. Up to this time I had no knowledge of any 
movement of the kind. My emotions and mental suffer- 
ings may be better imagined than described with accu- 
racy. I knew not what to do. I pleaded want of health 
as well as inexperience, without convincing any body of 
the propriety of the course I resolved to pursue. I finally 
returned a negative answer to the communication. 

This was a source of much trouble to my kind-hearted 
brother B., who had promised the stewards there would 
be no uncertainty about my accepting the appointment. 
It was difficult to obtain a single man who was adapted to 
the work. The presiding elder at length succeeded in 
obtaining a young man to supply my place on the circuit. 
As soon as he came round to where I resided he called to 
see me, and pleaded with me, with tears in his eyes, to re- 
lieve him and go on the circuit, as I had been expected 



122 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. I 

to do by all my friends. But still I would not yield. The 
weather was now getting very cold, and stern winter came 
upon us suddenly. This afforded me ample time for re- 
flection and prayer. About this time 1 was told they 
were praying at almost every point on the circuit for God 
to have pity on the young man who had so long refused 
to listen to the call of the Church to preach the Grospel. 
I was also informed that at times they would pray for the 
Lord to cause me to discharge my duty, or remove me 
speedily out of the way of others. At the next round 
the young man appointed as a temporary supply told me 
that he would leave the circuit at the first quarterly meet- 
ing. He then left me and begged of me not to resist the 
call any longer. I prayed much by night and by day. I 
knew not what to do. My health was poor, and my kind 
physician, Doctor H., tried to prevail on me not to go. 
He finally told me that he did not believe I would stand 
such exposure six months. But I could hold out no 
longer. I saw no way of escape. I concluded to go, not 
doubting but that Grod had opened the door. I wrote to 
the presiding elder to release brother W. and I would im- 
mediately take his place. He cordially complied with my 
request, and communicated it to the board of stewards. 
I closed up the business with which I was intrusted as 
soon as possible, and '^gave an account of my steward- 
ship " to my employers, and on the thirteenth day of De- 
cember, 1835, I bade farewell to the forge and all its 
noise and confusion," and started for Ripley, on the 
Ohio river. On my arrival at Ripley I found out to my 
sorrow that I was expected to commence my labors there 
the following Sabbath. The interview with my dear 
mother, before I commenced my itinerant toils, was 
deeply affecting. Up to this time she had never heard 
my voice in the pulpit. I knew, if her health would 
justify, that she would be present on Sabbath morning 



MY FIRST CIRCUIT. 



12B 



f feared her presence would only add to my embarrass- 
ment. I attended prayer meeting on Friday evening, and 
was requested to lead the exercises. Before the meeting 
closed I felt my heart growing very hard, and I secretly 
wished that I had never consented to become a travel- 
ing^' preacher. I brought the praying exercises to a 
speedy termination, and left the Church without much 
ceremony, to the surprise of my old friends. I went 
home with my brother David. He said that he was sorry 
that I closed the exercises so abruptly. I told him, "I 
acted just as I felt. " I am sorry that I have consented 
to become a traveling minister. The Church has been 
urging me for years to the work. I knew that I was not 
qualified. I am now here as your circuit preacher, and I 
fear I shall not only disgrace the Church, but all my rela- 
tions by my pulpit effort on next Sabbath, should I try to 
preach.^' My heart was all broken up, and I wept like a 
child. I could not even attend to family prayers for my 
brother. They all seemed to sympathize with me, and no 
doubt prayed also. My brother tried to encourage me in 
every way that he could to dismiss my groundless fears, 
and trust in a faithful God. At length I retired tb bed; 
but sleep had departed from my eyelids. I could find no 
rest for my troubled soul. The enemy cast his fiery darts 
at me nearly all night. how often I wished that I had 
not yielded to become an itinerant minister ! Before day- 
light I fell into a profound slumber, and had the following 
strange dream: 

In company with several others I joined a fishing-party. 
On our arrival at the creek or small river, I found the 
arrangements different from any I had ever seen before. 
A dam was thrown across the stream, with a gate in the 
middle, which was hoisted up to let the fish pass into the 
net below. There was also a division of labor among the 
fishermen. Some were to stand at the gate, others around 



124 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

the net to guard tlie fish, and some to drive them into the 
net through this wicket-gate. Driving them down the 
stream to the net was the hardest part of the work, and 
required more skill to accomplish it. Lots were cast who 
should go, and the lot fell upon me. I started up the 
stream and found the bank lined with stones of unequal 
sizes, weighing from one to five pounds each. I tried a 
few of the larger ones, but had no success. I then re- 
solved to throw che smaller ones. I felt rather awkward 
at first. It did really appear to me that I had no sleight 
of hand in throwing, and I could- not possibly do any 
good; but, to my agreeable surprise, it was not long 
before "the waters were troubled," and I could see a 
multitude of fishes running in the direction of the net. 
I was sure of victory and great success, when on a sudden 
a large serpent, with open jaws, appeared in the water 
before me and threatened my destruction. I instantly 
became alarmed, and dropping the stones, ran up the 
hill as fast as I could. I fancied at every step I could 
feel the venomous reptile close at my heels. When I 
reached the summit, entirely exhausted, I turned about 
and looked back, and lo ! the enemy was still at the 
same place where it first appeared. I was ashamed of 
my conduct, and knew that unless I speedily returned my 
companions would upbraid me with cowardice. I soon 
retraced my steps again down the hill to the edge of the 
water, and picked up the same missiles that I had thrown 
down. It seemed that my arm was nerved with .greater 
power, and, on the second or third efi"ort, I struck the 
serpent a fatal blow in the mouth, and it disappeared 
from my sight in a moment. I shouted for joy, and was 
aroused from my slumbers. I was very happy. I felt the 
hand of God upon me. My fears were all gone, like the 
mists before the rising sun. God be praised for help in 
time of need ! The power of the adversary was broken, 



MY FIRST CIRCUIT. 



125 



and my soul set free. "In a dream, in a vision of tlie 
night, wlien deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings 
upon the bed, then he openeth the ears of men, and 
sealeth their instruction/' Job xxxiii, 15. 

The next day I had a private interview with my dear 
mother. I shall never forget the words of love and ten- 
derness with which she spoke. She reminded me of her 
tears and prayers, and the early consecration that she 
made of me to God. At one time she said that she had 
little hope of living to see me preaching the Gospel; but 
God had mercifully preserved her in answer to prayer. 
"I know God has heard my prayers in your behalf, and 
called you to this work. I want you to be a ^good soldier 
of Jesus Christ.' Go on your way rejoicing, for I believe 
God will make you useful wherever you may be sent ! I 
will now enter into a covenant with you, and again pledge 
my daily prayers for God to give you great success in 
'winning souls.' In the morning at eleven o'clock, and 
at three o'clock in the afternoon, and at night, or when- 
ever I have reason to believe you are in your pulpit 
preaching, I will retire to my closet and spend that hour 
alone with God, pleading for a blessing iipon your labors. 
I have no higher ambition than to see you a successful 
embassador; and when we meet in glory, may you have 
many 'stars in the crown of your rejoicing!' " 

Thank God for a good mother ! I went to my work the 
next day with a different class of feelings from what I 
had anticipated the evening before. The presence of my 
dear mother in the congregation on Sabbath, instead of 
a hinderance or cause of increased embarrassment, was 
rather inspiring to my timid soul. I well knew there was 
one heart in that assembly that beat in unison with my 
own, and one that prayed fervently for my success. Be- 
fore I closed, her countenance beamed with ''fullness of 
joy;" and I have often heard her remark, that it was 



126 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



witli great difficulty that she kept from shouting aloud 
the praises of a crucified Redeemer! When far separ- 
ated from her, I often sensibly felt the influence of her 
prayers ; and I feel it to be my duty to record here, that 1 
owe much of my past success in saving souls to her impor- 
tunate prayers in her closet while I was trying to preach. 
The remembrance of the covenant she made with me 
staid up my feeble hands, as Aaron and Hur did the hands 
of Moses, till the shout of victory went up from Israel's 
host. at such times I had unusual liberty of speech, 
and power with God, and success in "persuading men!" 



CHAPTEH XYII. 

EXHORTATION BEFORE SERMON. 

At my second appointment on the circuit, four miles 
from R., I felt much embarrassed. It was here that my 
parents worshiped God first, after they removed to Ohio. 
For upward of twenty-two years, the Methodist society in 
this neighborhood had held meetings in the house of 
brother Fitch. But, within a few years past, they had 
erected a good chapel in the grove, on the bank of Eagle 
creek, a short distance above the residence of brother 
Fitch. Every face in the congregation was familiar. 
Here I had spent the days of my boyhood, and first heard 
the Gospel proclaimed. It was a great relief, however, 
to know I stood up in the midst of those who loved me 
most, and would willingly bear with all my infirmities. 
The Lord was my helper, and his word was glorified. At- 
one of my appointments, at another place, the glory of 
God filled the house during the first prayer. I arose, and 
the congregation commenced singing, sinners cried for 



EXHORTATION BEFORE SERMON. 127 

mercy, and saints shouted aloud for joy. I then deliv- 
ered an exhortation, and afterward read my text, and 
tried to preach. An old minister, who had been standing 
outside of the house, came in and closed the meeting. 
On our way home, he said, '^Brother Gr., you have re- 
versed the old order of things, I perceive." I asked 
him what he intended by such a remark. He then be- 
gan to laugh right heartily, and gave me to understand 
that he came while I was praying, and feared, if he 
should come in, I might not do as the Spirit would direct. 
He said he would greatly prefer an exhortation before 
the sermon than none at all. And then he said, a minis- 
ter who should say he could neither exhort before nor 
after a sermon, he feared had mistaken his calling, and 
had better return to his former business or profession. I 
am now inclined to think he was not mistaken. 

At the second quarterly meeting in this same neighbor- 
hood, an event occurred worthy of record. The wife of 
one of our class-leaders had died on Friday, in the full 
triumphs of the faith of the Gospel. She was interred 
in *he old graveyard contiguous to the church, about an 
hour before the service commenced on Saturday. The 
congregation were all at the burial, and came into the 
church about the same time. An unusual solemnity pre- 
vailed. A deep conviction of the shortness of human 
life, and the vanity of all things earthly, seemed to fill 
the hearts of all in that assembly. During the opening 
exercises, sighs and sobs were heard all over the house. 
Brother T. arose and read for his text the following 
beautiful words of St. John: '^We know that we have 
passed from death unto life," but was not permitted to 
proceed farther. The house was filled as with the rush- 
ing of a mighty wind by the Spirit of God. He resumed 
his seat, and invited the congregation to sing. The en- 
tire audience, believers and unbelievers, were melted into 



128 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AX ITINERANT. 



tears. While we continued to sing, the heavens opened, 

and by faith we could see 

" The saints above, how great their joys, 
How bright their glories be." 

The redeemed and blood-washed spirit of our departed 
sistCT; unperceived by mortal eye, seemed to hover over 
us. At the close of the second hymn, some of the min- 
isters present urged brother T. to proceed. He arose 
and remarked in an audible voice, I feel we ought now 
^'to stand still and see the salvation of G-od." ''Be still, 
and know that I am God.'' He then resumed his seat, 
and the excitement increased in all parts of the house; 
some wept aloud and others shouted for joy. All felt 
that the Lord was in his holy temple." He was again 
urged to proceed, or the state of feeling would be be3-ond 
control. He at length consented, and had not spoken 
more than five minutes before he became so deeply af- 
fected himself that he was compelled to sit down. The 
place was morally shaken by the mighty power of God. 
At this awful moment, an indiscreet brother, who had 
'■^ zeal^^ but not ''according to knowledge," arose and re- 
marked, with an air of exultation, "Satan may as well 
quit the field, for the victory is ours without fighting one 
battle." 

A long pause ensued, and the tender emotions in 
the congregation gradually subsided. An old veicran 
of the cross, Eev. G. K. Jones, of blessed memory, per- 
ceived the last remark had grieved the Spirit of God, 
and knowing the strategy of the wily foe, arose in the 
altar, and remarked, with prophetic spirit, "Brother, 
boast not of victory, but 

* Stand to your arms ; 

The foe is nigh, 
The powers of hell surround.* 



EXHORTATION BEFORE SERMON. 



129 



[ am mucli mistaken if the devil does not give us a 
hard chase yet at this meeting." This prediction was 
fully realized. Brother T. at length proceeded to preach 
with difficulty, and the service closed without any one • 
uniting with the Church. That very night the enemy 
succeeded in throwing our little army into confusion, and 
the meeting toward the close was dull, and unproductive 
of good. The services of the Sabbath all passed away 
without any awakenings or conversions, or even an ac- 
cession to the Church. I learned a lesson at that meet- 
ing which I never lost sight of during my " itinerant ca- 
reer." In all my revival meetings, I have let Grod work 
by the means of his own selection, or in whatever way 
the Spirit would direct me from time to timej not con- 
fining myself to old or new measures." 

At an appointment, in the vicinity of M., I preached 
from these words with considerable liberty: "In meek- 
ness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God, 
peradventure, may give them repentance to the acknowl- 
edging of the truth ; and that they may recover them- 
selves out of the snare of the devil, who are led captive 
by him at his will." 2 Timothy ii, 25, 26. At the close 
of my remarks, I felt impressed that I ought to open the 
doors of the Church, but was deterred by the "fear of 
man, which bringeth a snare." A few days after this I 
learned that a lady and gentleman in the congregation 
had made up their minds to join the Church, and went 
home much disappointed. They told a member of the 
Church, that they thought I must be a "very hard- 
hearted preacher." This occurrence made a deep im- 
pression on my mind, and I resolved to wipe out that 
reproach before I died. It has been my custom, gen- 
erally, ever since, to open the doors of the Church at the 
close of each public service. " Who knoweth the mind 
of the Spirit? Lord, it is done as thou hast com- 



130 rooT-PRTNTS or an itinerant. 




manded/' At one of my week-day appointments, I 
preached in a private house. The family were all very 
kind and obliging. It was a quiet place for the toil-worn 
• minister. The wife was a pious member of our Church, 
and one of the daughters also. The father of the family 
was a very moral man, but did not make a profession of 
religion. During the year I often felt that I ought to 
talk to Mr. Gr. about his soul, but my courage failed me 
whenever I made the attempt. The last time I preached 
in his house he appeared much concerned about obtain- 
ing an interest in Christ, yet I was afraid to talk with 
him privately. I prepared to start, and said '^finally, 
farewell,'^ and exhorted the wife and daughter to '^be of 
good comfort." They both wept bitterly, and craved an 
interest in my prayers. A short time after I left them, 
while wrapped in a profound sleep, ^^I saw in a vision 
upon my bed," that I died suddenly, and met sister Gr. at 
the bar of Grod. Our recognition was mutual. As soon 
as she approached me, she burst into tears, and lifted up 
her voice and wept." I immediately inquired the cause 
of her deep anguish. She instantly replied, 0, brother 
Graddis, what a sinful part you have acted toward my 
husband ! You often held converse with him upon the 
subject of politics, and commercial transactions, and 
farming. Now, on all these subjects he was well in- 
formed, but still destitute of the ^ one thing needful^ 
and ignorant of the way to secure it. You had all this 
knowledge, and it was your duty to instruct him when 
you had such favorable opportunities, but you neglected to 
do it; and now he is lost through your unfaithfulness.^' 
I awoke weeping, and was glad that it was ^^a dreamJ' 
But 0, I felt that God had sent it for good, and I prom- 
ised the Lord, if my life was spared to meet with Mr. 
Gr. in this world again, I would not shrink from what 1 
felt was my duty. About twelve months after this, while 



EXHORTATION BEFORE SERMON. 131 

traveling for my healtli, I was again permitted; by tlie 
providence of Grod, to meet with him in his own house. 
1 took the very first opportunity of relating to him my 
strange dream, in regard to meeting his wife at the 
judgment; and what she said to me. I spoke freely and 
candidly to him, in the presence of his family, all that 
was in my heart; how ardently I had prayed for him 
ever since I left the circuit, and then urged him to em- 
brace the Savior without delay. He was soon affected to 
tears, and promised me, in the presence of his wife and 
children, to commence the work of seeking religion im- 
mediately. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever I" 
he soon found peace in believing, and connected himself 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church. This occurrence 
made me change my course of conduct entirely, in re- 
gard to unbelievers. Instead of shrinking from the 
cross, I have gladly embraced suitable times and seasons 
to converse with them personally on the subject of 
religion. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in 
pictures of silver." 

" Sow in the morn thy seed, 
At eve hold not thy hand, 
To doubt and fear give thou no heed, 
Broadcast it o'er the land." 

In the town of W. I stopped at the house of a brother 
M. He had a lovely boy, about eight or nine years old. 
He was a good child, and loved the Sabbath school and 
class-room. Whenever I visited his father and mother, 
I had a talk with him about Jesus and the '^mansions in 
glory," prepared by Him for all good children. It was 
not^ long till he became much attached to me, and would 
come and sit on my knee, or take hold of my hand as we 
walked to the house of Grod on Sabbath mornings. He 
was very attentive to the word preached, and regularly 
attended the means of grace. His young and tender 



132 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

heart was given up to tlie Savior, and he walked daily iu 
the way of peace, and increased in religious knowledge. 
He was ripening for glory and enlarging for God. Early 
during the next winter, after I had left the circuit, he 
was called to ''his happy home." He died of scarlet 
fever. About a week before his last illness, while his 
dear mother was engaged in the room sewing, little 
Henry was playing with his toys on the floor. They were 
all alone. At length Henry laid down his playthings 
and jumped upon his mother's lap, clasped his arms 
around her neck and kissed her. He then said, ''Ma^ 
do you love me ?" '' 0, yes !" was the satisfactory reply. 
He appeared much gratified, and returned to his play 
again. But in a few minutes he came to her and kissed 
her a second time, and asked the same question. She 
answered, '' You know that I love you very much, my 
dear child." ''Well, then," said Henry, "ma, could you 
do without me?" "Not very well," was her prompt re* 
ply. He went back to his play, but soon came back, and 
looked very thoughtful and sad. At last he climbed 
upon his mother's lap the third time, and asked her the 
same question, " Ma, do you love me ?" and threw his 
little arm close around her neck. His mother was very 
much affected, and wept as she replied the third time, 
"Yes! 0, yes, Henry, you know your mother loves you 
very much." He then said, " Ma, if I should die soon, 
you will have to do without me then, wouldn't you?" 
The fountain of her affections was strangely stirred at 
this remark, and she said, "My dear child, I would be 
very lonely without you, but I hope God will spare you to 
grow up to manhood,, to comfort me in my declining 
years." He said no more, but retired from the room, 
apparently very sad. This circumstance made a strong 
impression on the heart of his mother, and, in his ab- 
sence, she spoke of it to her husband and little Eenr/s 



EXHORTATION 



BEFORE SERMON. 



133 



grandmotlier. About one week after this all transpired, 
the child was taken ill of scarlet fever. From the first 
of his sickness, he had a presentiment that he would not 
recover. A number of children, and some of his play- 
mates, had died of the same disease, and one of them 
was buried while he lay sick. When he heard the ''toll- 
ing bell," he inquired of his father what they were ring- 
ing the bell for. His father did not like to tell him who 
was dead, for fear it might have an unfavorable effect 
upon him. At last Henry looked up at his father, and 
said, ''Father, you need not be afraid to tell me; I know 
is dead, and they are 'tolling the bell' at his fu- 
neral. Father, I am not afraid to die. I wish you would' 
send for brother Gaddis to pray with me. I always loved 
to hear him preach and pray." When told I was not in 
town, he requested them to send for brother J. Foster, 
who is now a member of the Kentucky conference. 
Brother F. told me he gave the most clear and satisfac- 
tory evidence of a " renewed spirit," of any young person 
that he ever conversed with. He then made a disposi- 
tion of all his toys and books, and requested his father 
to send for me to preach his funeral. His end was peace 
and triumph. He took an affectionate leave of them all, 
and told his parents he was "going home" to dwell with 
Jesus in glory. A few moments before he died, he made 
the request that I should preach the funeral sermon in 
the church, and "tell all his classmates that he had gone 
to heaven." Soon after he "fell asleep in Jesus." In a 
few weeks, after the death of this dear child of God, I 
rode some fifty miles to comply with his dying request. 
I recollect now the time I parted with that dear boy. 
But I know I shall see him again, 

" In that beautiful place He has gone to prepare, 
For all who are wash'd and forgiven, 
And many dear children are gathering there, 
For of such is the kingdom of heaven." 



134 rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT, 



A celebrated queen^ when bereaved of one of ber dear 
cbildren, was beard to exclaim^ " My God, I bave lost a 
cbild; tboTi bast an angel more/^ A beautiful tbougbt 
beautifully expressed. Fatber, motber, weep not for 
tbose wbo bave gone to rest at early morn; tbey are not 
lostj only gone from eartb-born sorrows to a state of end- 
less bappiness. 



1 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

THE CONTRAST. 

Within tbe boundaries of my first circuit many 
pleasant as well as tragic scenes passed before my eyes; 
and as first impressions are of value I will record tbem 
truthfully as tbey are still engraven on tbe tablets of 
memory. ^'Entering a strange country every tbing pecu- 
liar in its appearance and in tbe manners and fashions of 
its people, is presented with a vividness never afterward 
produced/' This is true of tbe early years of my itin- 
erant life. Tbey are still green; and my recollection of 
what transpired more vivid than the occurrences of tbe 
past week, or any scenes through which I bave passed in 
later years. There is an interest and charm about tbem 
that I wish I could impart to others. 

One of my early associates in religion, sister , a 

short time before she died requested me to pay her a 
pastoral visit. I cordially complied with her request. 1 
found her gradually "fading away" with consumption. 
Her eye was growing brighter as the work of destruction 
went slowly forward ; her mind was calm and collected. 
I found that her soul rested on the "sure foundation," 
and she could bid defiance to the assaults of the tempter. 



THE CONTRAST. 



135 



At her request the Holy Bible was brought and laid on 
her bed, from which I read a consolatory chapter, and 
then prayed with her for the last time. I then said to 
her, ^^We shall never meet again in this vale of tears 
She promptly replied, I will meet you in heaven. 
what a happy meeting that will be! I am not afraid 
to die! The grave has no terrors for me! I know 
that my Redeemer liveth V and then she lifted up her 
emaciated hands and clapped them for joy. I then said: 
" Sister, I must leave you ! Have you any words of en- 
couragement for me in my work as a Christian minister 
•^0 yes!" said she, ^^I have. Gro out into the highways 
and hedges and compel them to come in; assure them 
there is yet room ! That Savior that has pardoned my 
sins will forgive the vilest sinner ! Tell them all to come ! 
^Christ died for all, and all may come and live !' " Turn- 
ing her eyes to the old family Bible, she clasped it to her 
heart and exclaimed: ^'Precious volume! thou hast been 
a lamp to my feet !" and then handing it to me she said : 
^'0, brother Gaddis, take this blessed word of God, send 
it to the heathen, publish its blessed truths wherever you 
go, declare its threatenings, proclaim to the weary and 
heavy laden its precious promises, and tell them it com- 
forts me in my sickness ! and tell them, for me, it suits 
every case and is adapted to every condition ! God bless 
you ! Farewell ! Remember he that goeth forth weeping, 
bearing precious seed, shall come again with rejoicing, 
bringing his sheaves with him V I shall never forget 
that death-bed scene, and how wonderfully it was sancti- 
fied to my own spiritual good, and the good of others, in 
the course of my ministry in that part of the country. 

How different the end of the ungodly, who have neg- 
lected the great salvation!'^ I was once called to the 
dying bed of a young lady about midnight. I found her 
dying in despair. I joined, with others, in prayer, but 



136 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



all hope of eternal life liad left her dark, benighted 
soul! She stated to me that a few months before she 
had attended a Methodist camp meeting, and felt the 
Holy Spirit striving with her. She went forward for 
prayers, and found peace in believing. Soon after her 
return home she was invited to a dancing-party. At first 
she resolved to stay at home, but finally she concluded to 
go. On her way to the dance the Spirit strove powerfully 
with her heart again, and deeply impressed her^mind that 
it was for "the last time/' if she engaged in the sinful 
pleasures of the evening. But, alas ! the solemn warning 
was disregarded. In ''the house of mirth" she forgot 
Grod, her Maker, and lightly esteemed the monitions of 
the Holy Grhost. On her return home she was sensibly 
impressed that she had by her conduct grieved the Holy 
Spirit from her youthful heart. It never strove with her 
again ! Before the light of the next morning she died in 
utter despair of the mercy of her God, telling all of her 
friends with her last breath that she had lost her soul for 
one night of sinful pleasure ! 

A young man, with whom I had been familiar from 
the days of my boyhood, was thrown from his horse one 
Sabbath morning, while galloping along the street near 
the Church where I was preaching. He was badly injured 
by the fall. He suffered much bodily pain for more than 
two weeks. I was sent for to visit him a short time be- 
fore his melancholy exit. On approaching his dying bed 
I inquired if he wished me to pray? He promptly re- 
plied, ''I do!" We all kneeled around his dying couch, 
and I tried to present his case to the Lord, but had no 
nearness of access to the "mercy-seat." I arose and 
attempted to sing, but could not. I then asked one of 
my brothers who had accompanied me to pray. He made 
the effort, but with less boldness or liberty than usual. I 
then invited another gentleman, who was a member of 



THE CONTRAST. 



137 



the Presbyterian Church, to lead in prayer, but he seemed 
to have no assistance from above, and told me afterward 
that he could not pray in the spirit or with any degree of 
faith. An impenetrable gloom had settled down upon 
the chamber of this unfortunate youth. I felt deeply 
concerned to see him converted before his departure, and 
tried to awaken his fears and induce him to pray for him- 
self, tut without success. In years gone by, I had seen 
him weep and heard him pray, but his goodness was as 
the "morning cloud and early dew, that goeth away.^' 
Like many others, he "heard the word with gladness,^' 
but failed to enter the kingdom of Grod by faith; and 
now he desired to feel, but could not; he wanted to go to 
heaven, but his "house was left unto him desolate,'' be- 
cause when the Savior would have "gathered him" unto 
his Church, he "would not!" He watched me closely 
for a long time, and at last laid his right hand upon his 
heart, wept bitterly, and cried aloud : "0 ! how hard it is ' 
\ how hard it is ! ! how hard it is I" I took his hand 
in mine and said: "H., do tell me what it is that seems 
to distress you so much in your last hours." With a look 
of inexpressible anguish he exclaimed : " ! how hard 
it is to die without religion ! ! how hard it is to die 
without the religion of Jesus Christ ! ! how hard it is 
to die without religion !" With this last exclamation his 
voice failed, and he gradually sunk into the arms of 
death, without one solitary ray of hope to gild the gloom 
of his departing hours. 

0, could we go to the place where God has forgotten to 
6e gracious, and ask its miserable inhabitants the cause 
of their ruin, the answer given by multitudes would be, 
"Delay!" "When in the land of hope I often heard of 
salvation till death came, and with it my summons to the 
judgment-seat!" Delay! delay! has damned its thou- 
sands, making them wait till the door of mercy was closed I 
12 



138 



FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



Sinner ! awake ! awake ! Escape for thy life ! Tarry not 
in all tlie plains ! 

*' To-morrow, how oft thou hast sworn 
To change thy life, my friend ! 
Thus always 'twill be, one day more 
Ere you begin to mend. 

When I have finished this affair, 

My actions I'll review ; * 

Or when I've brought this scheme to bear 
Begin my life anew. 

An idiot thus, who saw his way 

Across a river lie, 
Resolved upon its banks to play, 

TiU all the stream ran by. 

But torrents with united force 

Augment the flowing river, 
"Which still pursues its rapid course, 

And murmuring flows forever P 

A few years after this sad occurrence a revival of re- 
ligion was in progress in that same town. Many found 
the pearl of great price/' and pressed into the visible 
Church. A youth, who was awakened at an early stage 
of the meeting, became much discouraged, and, at the 
close of the exercises at the altar one evening, told the 
minister, Eev. K. S. F., that she did not intend to come to 
the altar of prayer any more. He asked why? She re- 
plied, "I have been here eleven nights and have not 
found peace; it is no use to come again, for I believe 
there is no mercy for me He urged her to come again, 
and did not leave her till she gave him a promise to come 
once more. She was there in due time the night follow- 
ing, and, before the close of the exercises, found Him of 
whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write. Her 
ecstasy was very great, and she arose, proclaimed aloud 
the signal victory she had at last obtained over the 
powers of darkness. The glad news went up to heaven, 



THE CONTRAST. 



139 



and the angels rejoiced over another sinner saved by the 
blood of Jesus. 

About ten days after her conversion she sickened and 
died very suddenly. Just before her death, however, she 
sent for brother F. He was soon present at her dying 
bed. She remarked to him as follows: "I could not die 
contentedly till I saw you once more. I want to thank 
you now for urging me to go to the altar the '■ twelfth 
time r If I had not gone back again I might at this mo- 
ment have been dying without hope in Christ ! But I 
thank the Lord I did go to the altar that evening; there 
I obtained pardon, and I feel now that I am prepared to 
go ! I want you to join and sing — 

* Bright angels are from glory come, 
They're round my bed, they're in my room, 
They wait to waft my spirit home ! 

All is well ! All is well !' " 

Her request was cheerfully complied with, and while they 
were singing her favorite song her "redeemed spirit" 
was set free and borne aloft to mingle with the spirits of 
the just before the throne. 

This young lady was the youngest sister of the unfor- 
tunate young man, whose death I have just described in 
the preceding pages. I have only to ask the reader 
which of these death-beds would be the most desirable, 
! the former or the latter? As you would dread the one 
I prefer the other. Let me exhort you now to give your 
heart to God '^before the Master rises up and shuts the 
jl door, and you stand without and knock !" 



140 rooT-jpRiNTs or an itinerant. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

REMARKABLE DEATHS — MYSTERIOUS FAMILY 

^^The wicked is driven away in his wickedness.* 
This declaration was most strikingly exemplified in iht 
terrible death of a Mr. , one of my earliest acquaint- 
ances. He was a man of herculean strength, and seemed 
to take much pleasure in gaming and fighting. He was 
not in trouble as other men. Violence covered him as a 
garment. He " set his mouth against the heavens/' 
and the fear of him fell upon all with whom hj& had in- 
tercourse. He had often said, " What is the Almighty 
that I should serve him ?" and unto Grod, ^' Depart from 
me, I desire not the knowledge of thy ways.'' But 
"how oft is the candle of the wicked put out, and how 
oft cometh sudden destruction upon them ! They are as 
stubble before the wind, and as chafi" that the storm car- 
rieth away." "God distributeth sorrows in his 

ANGER. '^ Mr. was seized with a dangerous malady 

in the midst of his worldly prosperity and rebellion 
against Grod. One day, while alone upon his bed, he de- 
clared that he saw the "undertaker" come in and lay his 
coffin along side of him on the bed, and then disappear 
with apparent alarm and haste. He immediately called 
his wife and told her what he had seen. She made light 
of it, and told him that his brain was excited with fever. 
He replied, "You may think as you please, but I know I 
shall die soon, and Grod has taken this strange method to 
warn me of my approaching end." He became concerned 
about his soul, and sent for my brother John and others, 
to pray for him. During that night, "visions" of heaven 
and hell passed before his mind. The next day he re- 
lated many things of interest that he saw and heard. 



REMARKABLE DEATHS. 



141 



He said he saw in the distance some of his friends in 
glorj, that he and others thought would never reach 
there; and near by him, in hell, he met many an old ac- 
quaintance among the lost that some supposed had gone 
to heaven. Human language would utterly fail to convey 
an adequate idea of the mental sufferings of this man 
before his exit. ^^The ruling passion "was strong in 
death," and when he felt that Grod had forsaken him and 
would not listen to his cry, he nerved himself for the 
conflict, and attempted to measure arms with the Al- 
mighty, as though his sinews were brass, and his bones 
iron. He tried to hrave death without dismay. But, 
alas ! it was a vain hope ; his feet stumbled upon the 
dark mountains, and when he looked for light, God 
turned it into the shadow of death, and made it gross 
darkness. His soul fainted in the swelling of Jordan,'^ 
and he trembled at the thought of meeting God in 
judgment. 

His sickness spread a fearful gloom -over the entire 
community, and all confessed the hand of God had 
touched him. Fear fell upon the unconverted, and, after 
his death, many of them turned to the Lord. As his 
disease progressed, his physical strength remained un- 
diminished. At length he became abusive and quarrel- 
some toward his attendants, and they found it impossible 
to keep him in bed. The Holy Spirit at last left him 
without one good emotion, and he was given over to 
hardness of heart and a reprobacy of mind, to work out,'' 
as he said, his own damnation with greediness." He 
told his friends that he felt the fires of hell burning 
within him. All at last were wearied out with holding 
him during his fearful paroxysms and efforts, as he said, 
to '^get away from God;" and they procured a piece of 
girthing, and wrapped it under the bed rails across his 
body, below his chest, down to his feet. He was pin- 



142 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

ioned down in this strange manner, when I saw him first 
during his affliction. it was a melancholy sight, and 
one that none could long endure with composure. His 
profanity and obscenity drove his wife and all the female 
attendants from his presence. Cursing, ribaldry, jesting, 
and vulgar song-singing, filled up the last days of this 
unfortunate man. The night on which he died, his kind 
physician bled him in the right arm. While the blood 
was running he swore in the most horrid manner, and 
asked the doctor if it '^was not cowardly to tie a man 
from head to foot upon his bed, and then bleed him 
against his will." ^'Sir," said the wretched man, "if 
my arm was free I would send you down to perdition in a 
moment, at a single blow.^^ At times he would hiss, and 
make sounds somewhat similar to those made by infuriated 
cats at night in a garret. His very countenance spoke 
the anguish of his soul. His eyes were red and fiery, 
roaming around the house with a deep piercing look that 
struck terror into every heart. I thought of the words 
of the Psalmist, " Surely thou didst set them in slippery 
places : thou casteth them down into destruction. How 
are they brought into desolation as in a moment ! they 
are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when 
one awaketh, so, Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt 
despise their image." About an hour before he died he 
called aloud for water ; but when it was brought to his 
bed he refused to drink of it, and told the cup-bearer 
that he would take a drink from God, only because no 
one but Grod could inflict such punishment as he endured 
at that hour. He then called on God for a drink of 
water, but called in vain, and then, in the most awful 
manner, cursed God, and cursed Jesus Christ, and cursed 
the Holy Ghost, two or three times. After this "the 
sorrows of death encompassed him, and the pains of hell 
took hold upon him." I was alarmed and horror-struck. 



REMARKABLE DEATHS. 



143 



and could no longer endure the sight. I retired from the 
house, and asked a friend to accompany me home. In a 
short time after I left, he placed his upper teeth upon 
his lower lip, bit it entirely off, and attempted to swallow 
it; but it lodged in the upper part of the larynx. In a 
moment after this awful scene the brittle cord of life 
suddenly snapped asunder. After his death, Dr. C. ex- 
tracted the lip from his throat, and replaced it upon his 
marred visage. it was a sad sight, such as I hope 
never to witness again. If such the death of the un- 
godly in time, what terrors hang around " the second 
death !" What shall be his portion in that world of woe, 
with the never-dying sting of death writhing his soul, 

"Where shrieks the roaring flame and rattling chain, 
And all the dreadful eloquence of pain 
His only soug ! black fire's malignant light 
The sole refreshment of his blasted sight !" 

and in this state wishing for annihilation to end his 
being, but no relief found, and at the same time crying 
out, 

•'Just is my lot, but ! must it transcend 
The reach of time, despair a distant end ; 
With dreadful growth shoot forward and arise, 
Where thought can't follow and bold fancy dies!" 

At one of my regular places of preaching, a young man 
was suddenly called away under the most trying and 
painful circumstances. He was engaged to be married to 
a very amiable young lady, the daughter of a Methodist 
minister. The time was fast approaching for the mar- 
riage ceremonies. All necessary preparations were made, 
and in a few days they expected to be united in happy 
wedlock. But, 0, alas ! how changed the scene ! 

*' What shadows we are, what shadows we pursue !" 

Our young friend was taken sick. At first his disease 
was of such a character as to excite no alarm, but, on a 



144 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

sudden, it assumed a dangerous type. His physician 
soon discovered unfavorable symptoms, and used every 
effort to subdue the raging malady, but in vain. At 
length fears were entertained of his recovery. His 
visions of earthly bliss all faded in a moment, and he 
began to turn his eyes to the solemn scenes of eternity 
just before him. I was sent for to visit him in time 
of need, and found him sinking very fast. He was a 
young man greatly beloved by all who knew him. He 
was upright in all his outward deportment; but although 
blest with pious parents, and every opportunity of em- 
bracing religion, he was still without any evidence of his 
acceptance with God ; not even connected with the visi- 
ble Church. He was penitent, and asked me to preach 
and pray for him. I had often preached in the same 
house, but under very different circumstances. A small 
stand was placed near the head of the dying young man. 
The Bible and hymn-book was soon placed upon it by the 
hand of an affectionate mother, who took her seat close 
by the side of his bed. An aged father. Dr. C, two 
other members of the family, and one or two of the near- 
est neighbors, made up the congregation. Never before, 
or since, have I preached the Grospel under such soul- 
stirring circumstances; the sands of life were swiftly 
ebbing out. I knew that I was about to speak to one for 
the last time that I had familiarly known from his child- 
hood. Standing in the chamber of death to preach 
Jesus and the resurrection,^^ I selected for my text on 
that memorable occasion, the following beautiful words : 
^^Unto you that believe he is precious." When about 
half way through my discourse, while telling them how 
"precious" the Savior was to the believer in the dark 
and cheerless hours of affliction, my young friend fixed 
his dying gaze upon me^ and seemed to listen with 
marked attention. Tears and sighs, mingled with fer- 



MYSTERIOUS FAMILY. 



145 



vent prayerS; filled the room. Before I closed my re- 
markS; he^ for whose benefit I was preaching, had lost 
the power of articulation. The organs of hearing were 
closed; no more to open to the charming sound of the 
Gospel. I only ceased to speak when I was certain that 
he could hear no more. I kneeled down and commended 
his soul to God, and his heart-stricken parents to the es- 
pecial care of our heavenly Father. The last rays of the 
sun were visible on the tops of the tall trees skirting the 
lofty hills on the north of that gloomy household. The 
shades of evening were coming on, and as I had several 
miles to travel to my lodging, I was compelled to bid 
them farewell. Before the light of the next morning, 
the spirit of the suff'erer was with God. A knowledge 
of the mournful event was early communicated to the 
young lady to whom he was to have been married; and 
on the day fixed for their wedding, clad in weeds of 
mourning, she followed her betrothed to the silent grave. 

" Fate steals along with silent tread, 
Found oftenest in what least we dread ; 
Frowns in the stoma with angry brow, 
But in the sunsTdne strikes the blow." 

While traveling near one of my appointments, on the 
banks of the Ohio river, there lived a strange family, 
which I visited under somewhat trying and peculiar cir- 
cumstances. They were strangers in that part of the 
country, and there were but very few who knew even the 
name by which they were called. They had no commu- 
nication whatever with any of their neighbors, and 
studiedly avoided making any acquaintances. The old 
gentleman had connected himself with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church by letter from the Wesleyan Meth- 
odists m England, but he seldom found time to attend to 
the means of grace during the week. At an early period 
of the year, I began to inquire into the history of the 



146 



rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



family^ but could meet with no one who knew any thing 
about them. In the spring of the year I proposed to go 
and visit them myself. The leader of the class in the 
neighborhood told me it would be labor and time lost, for 
I could not get into the house. I then inquired the 
reason why he thought I would not be admitted. He 
then stated that no one had ever been permitted to enter 
that house since Mr. had settled in the neighbor- 
hood and become its occupant. He also remarked that 
his own wife, and a number of other ladies, had paid 
them a visit, but were not invited to go in. The lady of 
the house always came to the door herself, and answered 
very politely any questions that were proposed to her, but 
had never invited or permitted any one to cross her door- 
sill. This narration excited my curiosity, and as I was 
ready for adventure, and full of faith and zeal, I arose 
from my seat and ordered my horse, remarking to brother 
JST. that I intended to go and stay all night at that very 
house. He laughed heartily at this, and said, "I have no 
objection to your going to visit the house, but I am cer- 
tain you will not get even the privilege of seeing how 
matters are ^ fixed up^ within.^' I answered, ^^I am re- 
solved, by the help of God, to make the trial; perhaps I 
may overcome their prejudices, and be the means of 
doing them good." I started off in fine spirits, and prayed 
fervently as I rode down the hill toward the beautiful 
Ohio. The house of the strangers stood immediately on 
the bank of the river. I passed up the lane, arrived at 
the gate, dismounted, took my saddle-bags on my arm, 
and walked leisurely toward the side door next the gate, 
As I approached near to the house, the door was opened, 
and rather an interesting-looking English lady pre- 
sented herself before me. I spoke to her, and inquired 

if Mr. resided there. She answered affirmatively 

I then asked if he was at home. She replied that he was 



MYSTERIOUS FAMILY. 



147 



at work on tlie farm; and that she would send out one of 
the children and have him called immediately. During 
all this conversation she kept her hand on the door, and 
never intimated that she wished me to enter the house. 
1 at length remarked, ^^I am very weary; I believe I will 
go in and sit down till your husband comes in from the 
field/^ At this her cheek crimsoned, and she moved back 
a few paces into the hall, but said nothing. I instantly 
followed on her heels. She then stood a little to one 
side, and I walked into the sitting-room, and took a seat 
near the hall door. She soon walked by me, but did not 
speak. She appeared much agitated, and soon left the 
room. I discovered that she was much displeased at my 
rather unceremonious way of entering her house, but I 
said nothing by way of apology, preferring much rather 
that she should be left to her own reflections. She had 
a number of sweet and interesting children, among whom 
I noticed a handsome daughter, who seemed to be much 
embarrassed by my unexpected intrusion ; for such, I am 
confident, they regarded my entrance at that time. I 
spoke kindly to the young children, inquired their names, 
asked them how old they were, and tried to pass off the 
time as agreeably as I could till the old gentleman should 
come in from the fields. After a long time he made his 
appearance, and received me very kindly indeed. I en- 
tered into a lengthy conversation about matters and 
things in general, and whiled away the time till the sun 
went down. I then told him I would be very glad if I 
could remain with them during the night. He replied 
that he had no objection, if I was willing to put up with 
their fare. His wife then rose up, and looking me full 
in the face, said, " We don't entertain strangers, and no 
doubt you can find much better accommodation in any 
part of the neighborhood." Her husband soon went out, 
and left me and his good wife to settle the matter 



148 FOOT- PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

between ourselves. I then told lier I was traveling more 
or less every day^ and that I had poor health, and did not 
feel able to go any further without suffering. She then 
replied that she was not prepared to keep me. I told 
her I was not hard to please, and that all I wished was 
some bread and milk for supper, and a place to sleep till 
daylight, and then I should proceed on my journey. It 
was now almost dark, and the old gentleman had put my 
horse up. I walked to the door and said, "Well, I sup- 
pose your husband intends I shall stay, as I see he has 
put up my horse. ^' At this she said no more, but ap- 
peared very much disquieted in mind. I then began to 
talk very freely, apparently unconscious of her unwilling- 
ness to permit me to remain. I catechised her almost 
constantly, determined to make her talk, if possible. 
This I soon found a very difficult undertaking, and I 
turned my attention to the children. They were very 
polite, but as unwilling to converse as their mother. At 
last I touched the right cord with one of the little fel- 
lows, and he began to laugh and talk with me very freely. 
This was a great relief ; the others soon caught the same 
feeling, and the evening passed rapidly away. After 
supper I was invited to retire for the night. I told the 
old gentleman it had been my custom in all my travels 
through the country, to have prayers in the families 
where I tarried at night, unless it was objected to. He 
said he had no objections, and he began to look round 
for the old " family Bible." It had never been unpacked 
since they came to^ America — a smaller copy of the 
Scriptures occupied its place, and was generally used by 
the members of the household. How often is it the 
case that professors of religion in removing to a new 
country get careless in regard to their duty ! At length 
it was brought forth and laid before me. It was an ele- 
gant copy, bound in calf, with heavy clasps, and bore the 



MYSTERIOUS FAMILY. 



149 



marks of having been freely used. I read a portion of 
the sacred word and sung, 

" Peace be on this house bestowed, 
Peace on all that here reside ; 
Let the vinknown peace of God 
With the man of peace abide. 

Christ, my Master and my Lord, 

Let me thy forerunner be ; 
be mindful of thy word. 

Visit them and visit me ! 

To this house and all herein, 

Now let thy salvation come ; 
Save our souls from inbred sin, 

Make us thy eternal home." 

During prayer a blessing was asked upon parents and 
children; and while I was calling upon the Grod of Jacob 
who had protected them upon the ocean, and guided 
them safely to the shores of this ^' goodly land/^ the heart 
of the husband was moved at the remembrance of the 
mercies of Grod. He wept, and it was not long till sighs 
and sobs filled the little room. My own soul rose higher 
and higher on the wings of faith — the Spirit helped my 
infirmities, and I had nearness of access to the throne of 
grace. That was an hour of '^pure and fervent devo- 
tion,'^ never to be forgotten by the young itinerant in 
time or in eternity. It was an oasis in life's weary 
journey, whose goodly cheer refreshed the spirits. On 
rising from our knees the children continued to weep for 
some time. 

The scene now changed, and before I retired to rest 
that night, the family were satisfied that their strange 
guest was the junior preacher of that circuit. ^^It is 
strange," said the old gentleman, ^Hhat I did not know 
you, but then I only heard you preach once ; I have not 
attended meeting often the past winter. Did you preach 
on the hill to-day?'' I replied that I did, and was 



150 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

sorrj that so few turned out to the preaching of the word 
in that neighborhood. He then gave me a full account 
of his conversion, and subsequent Christian life, in con 
nection with the Wesleyan Methodists in his native land. 
'^The night was far spent before he allowed me to re- 
tire. Early the next day we were again assembled for 
prayerS; and the glory of God filled the house." The 
parents wept, and the children cried and sobbed aloud. 
The oldest daughter was powerfully awakened, and before 
my departure, the mother and daughter both promised to 
unite with the Church, and devote the balance of their 
lives to the service of Grod. I tarried with them till 
about ten o'clock that day, and still they urged me to 
tarry longer. When I at last took my departure, the 
mother and daughter both followed me out to the gate, 
and made me promise to make them another visit some 
time during the summer. They wept when I bade them 
adieu, and assured me of a more cordial welcome on my 
return. On my second round I was prevented from ful- 
filling my engagement, and before I had another oppor- 
tunity, the family became dissatisfied with their new 
location, sold out their farm, and moved to the far 
west. I never saw them again. Should this narrative 
meet their eye, I hope they will call to remembrance 
their vows to meet me in heaven. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE SUICIDE. 

The history of Captain Y. H. M. is one of thrilling 
interest to all who had any knowledge of his unfortunate 
career. He was a fine-looking man, nearly six feet high. 
When I first saw him he was very handsome; but long 



THE SUICIDE. 



151 



before his death his visage was horribly marred by in- 
temperance. He then walked the streets with bloodshot 
eyes and a blotched face. He had by trading amassed 
considerable property, quite enough to have made him 
independent all the days of his life; but he could not 
conquer his love for ardent spirits. In order that he 
might drink all that he desired, he opened a liquor- 
shop in one corner of his warehouse, close to his private 
dwelling. Here, every day surrounded by kindred spirits, 
he partook of drugged wines and brandy till his constitu- 
tion, already shattered by long-continued bad practices, 
gave evident signs of speedy decay. This alarmed him 
very much, and he sought medical advice. His family 
physician advised him to desist, or he would die soon. 
He tried to abstain, but soon returned to his cup again, 
and in a little time was worse than before. He had 
a very severe attack, in which the muscles of his right 
thigh and leg lost nearly all sense of feeling. He called 
for a consultation of all the physicians in the place, and 
demanded of them a thorough examination of his condi- 
tion. At length they told him candidly he must quit 
drinking or he would soon die. His constitution was 
now completely broken. As soon as he was so far recov- 
ered as to be able to go out again, I had a long conversa- 
tion with him. He told me that he could not forsake his 
cup, and he knew that he should die soon, and dying in 
his present state he should be lost forever! He asked 
me if I thought there was any hope of a man obtaining 
mercy who had become so vile as he was? I told him 
that there was; that Christ came into the world to save 
sinners, and the very chief of transgressors against God 
might obtain mercy, if they would repent and believe the 
Gospel. I asked him to come to the Methodist Episcopal 
church and hear the Gospel preached. He did come for 
two or three Sabbaths, and at times appeared to be much 



152 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



affected; and once I saw him weep bitterly. He soon be- 
came very wretched; and told his wife repeatedly tbat lie 
would destroy his own life. Sometimes, after the usual 
hour of retiring to bed, he would come into the room and 
take off his coat and cravat, and setting a small looking- 
glass on the mantle before him, would get his razor and 
step back in the floor before his afliicted companion, and 
stand there for more than an hour declaring that he would 
cut his throat from ear to ear ! At other times, after sup- 
per, he would put his cloak around him, and pull out his 
gold watch and tell his wife to keep it for his youngest 
child; he would then kiss the child and his wife, and walk 
out with the intention of going to the river to drown him- 
self. Who can describe the hours of anguish and painful 
suspense endured by his suffering companion ? Often he 
would not return till midnight, and at other times not till 
the next morning. He wandered about the streets some- 
times during the night like one forsaken by Grod and man. 
I recollect one morning I arose quite early, and, passing 
by his house, found him lying in the front door, with his 
feet resting on the steps, the door being partly shut. 
He was sound asleep, and perhaps had lain there the 
greater part of the night. In this wretched state of 
mind he spent the summer and fall. He felt that he was 
not fit to live, and yet he was unwilling to die. He could 
not get away from himself He had a state of mind ^^not 
to be changed by place or time;" a deadly vulture was 
gnawing at his vitals; a fire was kindled in his bosom 
that many waters could not quench. 

Through a young man that boarded with him he had 
heard something about the doctrine of Universalism : it 
pleased him well, and all he needed now was to bring 
himself fully to believe it. This lesson was a difficult 
one to learn. At that period no Universalist had ever 
preached in the place, and but few of the citizens knew 



THE SUICIDE. 



153 



any thing about their doctrines. This^ however, was not 
long after Messrs. Kidwell & Waldo had commenced the 
publication, in Cincinnati, of a periodical advocating the 
peculiar views of that deluded sect. The Captain re- 
solved to go down to the city and see them, for the pur- 
pose of persuading one of them to come up and preach a 
few sermons upon that particular topic, hoping thereby to 
find relief for a ^Hroubled conscience.'' He succeeded 
in procuring the services of one of the editors; but I do 
not recollect which of them it was that came home with 
him. It was publicly announced that he would preach in 
the old frame school-house, in the lower part of the town, 
on Main-street. I did not attend, but Doctor C, an old 
and respectable citizen, who was present, gave me a full 
account of the sermon. The text on the occasion was 
from James iv, 12: There is one lawgiver, who is able 
to save and to destroy.'' The object of the speaker was 
to show that Jesus Christ would destroy all "partialism," 
or the doctrines taught by orthodox Churches, and that 
he would finally raise all mankind to a state of holiness 
and happiness in the world to come. He insisted that 
this doctrine was plainly taught by the ^'law-giver" 
referred to in the text, and urged his congregation — 
which consisted of only about a dozen persons — to em- 
brace the doctrine of universal salvation, and give up all 
unnecessary anxiety about the great future. The con- 
gregation was dismissed, but the Captain was slow of 
heart to believe this strange doctrine; he wanted the 
preacher to preach again, but he would not consent, be- 
cause so few had gone down to hear him. However, the 
Captain prevailed on him to remain at his house nearly 
all the week for the purpose of teaching him this com- 
forting doctrine more perfectly. At length he became 
satisfied, and let the preacher return home to Cincinnati. 
The next day he came out on the street and puDlicly 



154 



rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



professed his entire belief in tlie doctrine of universal 
salvation, and said he was now perfectly happy, and not 
only resigned to die, but anxious to take his departure. 
He commenced drinking harder than before, and seemed 
to throw off all moral restraint; the reins of self-govern- 
ment were thrown upon the neck of his lusts, and, with 
broken bit and shattered reins, he drove onward to the 
fearful precipice over which at last he made an awful 
leap I If increased wickedness was a proof of a change 
of heart, then was this man soundly converted by the 
teachings of this Universalist preacher. 

One day, while standing near the old market-house, 
I saw the Captain come out, according to a previous 
promise, to give publicity to his new creed. About a 
half dozen old loafers were assembled as his auditors. ^ 
number of citizens were looking on as spectators. He 
denounced all the orthodox Churches with a vengeance 
that even surprised his besotted congregation. Just be- 
fore he closed his remarks one of his auditors, who was a 
confirmed drunkard, but well versed in the truths of rev- 
elation, became much excited, rose up from his seat 
and walked up in front of where Captain M. was standing 
on one of the butcher's blocks. He continued to listen 
with profound attention till he could not endure it any 
longer, and, looking the preacher full in the face, cried 

out: ^'Sir, you know very well that is a lie!'^ This 

brought the speaker to a pause almost instantly, and he 
made an attempt to kick poor old Mr. J. in the face, but 
missed his aim, lost his balance, and, being a little 
^^light-headed," he fell prostrate upon the hard, brick 
pavement. On beholding this catastrophe his excited 
audience raised the shout of victory, and left the new 
convert alone in his ^'■fallen state.'' Thus ended the first 
Universalist sermon that I ever heard delivered. The 
Captain, however, was not seriously injured his sudden 



THE SUICIDE. 



155 



downfall/' and as soon as lie was sufficiently revived 
went into his house, and did not appear on the street till 
the next day. The citizens generally enjoyed the farce, 
not dreaming of the melancholy sequel. 

Not long after this occurrence this poor, deluded man 
committed suicide under the following painful circum- 
stances : He had often said he was too miserable to live, 
and now that he had been recently convinced that there 
was no hell, he wished he could die; but none supposed 
he was preparing to take his own life. He was seen late 
in the evening loading a large horse-pistol with heavy 
slugs. He was asked what he was going to kill? He 
replied that his warehouse was infested with rats, and 
he wished to shoot some of them. The next morning he 
walked out to the steamboat landing, and, as he returned 
to his house, a friend asked me if I had noticed the 
countenance of Captain M. as he passed me on the side- 
walk? I replied that I did not. ^^I fear," said my 
voung friend, Mr. T., ''he is going to do some mischief 
to-day; he has such a wicked and vicious expression of 
countenance. I replied, ''I hope not; yet of late he is 
like one 'walking through dry places seeking rest, and 
finding none.' '' I went into a store about twenty yards 
from the dwelling of Mr. M., and, in about five minutes 
afterward, we heard the report of a pistol. I walked to 
the door, and heard some one screaming, "0, my God! 
he has shoifc himself!" The sound proceeded from the 
residence of Captain M., whence I immediately ran and 
found the unfortunate man lying dead upon the floor of 
the front room over the parlor. He had taken his posi- 
tion before a mirror, and placed the large pistol, loaded 
with slugs, to the front part of his forehead and fired, the 
contents of the weapon taking off nearly half of his head. 
The slugs penetrated the ceiling, scattering his brains in 
every dire^on, and passing out through the roof of the 



156 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



house. His little daughter had run up first^ and was so 
affrighted that she instantly fled from the room, which 
was still filled with smoke, tracking the blood of her 
unfortunate father down to the sitting-room. In a few 
minutes the keeper of a coffee-house entered the room, 
who had contributed his full share to ruin the man now 
before him. He turned round and addressed me as fol- 
lows: "There, Mr. Gr., lies a man whose death will not be 
regretted by a solitary individual in this town or the 
yicinity,. and if I were lying by his side the same state- 
ment would be true of me !" When the smoke had left 
the room, we observed his cravat and hat lying on the 
bed, and discovered that before using the horse-pistol he 
had stabbed himself with a large dirk-knife in the right 
abdomen. 

Poor, misguided, erring man, who in a moment of 
frenzy 

*' Renounced eartt to forfeit heaven !" 

thy ghastly corpse, heart-stricken wife, and fatherless 
children still rise up before me ! 

Sinner, beware ! trifle not with thy immortal spirit ! 
Why will ye die ? 

"Why should we die? 
Hope whispers with her lucid eye. 
Aud brighter far than hope there comes 
One bright'ning all the darksome tombs- 
One who has trod the vale of death 
And lost amidst its gloom his breath I 
He, angel of the covenant now, 
With crowns of glory on his brow, 
With mercy kindling in his eye, 
Says sweetly, ' Sinner, do not die ." '* 



WEST UNION CIRCUIT. 



157 



CHAPTER XXI. 

WEST UNION CIRCUIT. 

On a beautiful Sabbath morning, soon after the cora- 
mencoment of public worship in the Methodist Episco- 
pal church in the town of R., I discovered an aged 
man approaching the door of the church in great haste. 
He was bareheaded and in his shirt-sleeves. He en- 
tered and passed down the main aisle of the church, 
stopped in front of the pulpit, and looked wildly round 
on the congregation. At length his eyes rested on my 
brother John, with whom he was well acquainted. He 
approached him and took a seat close by his side, and 
whispered something to my brother, as though he did 
not wish to disturb the congregation. However, during 
the sermon, my brother found it difficult to keep the old 
man quiet. He held an old family Bible by one end, 
and now and then he would raise it perpendicularly 
above his whitened head and weep most bitterly. His 
name was J. B. I had known him for many years; 
he had been a hard drinker, and at times very abusive 
to his wife. When brother W. had closed his sermon, 
my brother arose and remarked that the old gentleman 
informed him that something of a very remarkable 
nature had occurred recently at his house, and that he 
wished to relate it to the congregation, and closed by 
saying that he thought it could do no harm to let 
him give the narrative. The preacher cordially as- 
sented, and old Mr. B. proceeded to remark, in sub- 
stance, as follows: ^'I am not intoxicated at this time, 
I have not drank any for several days. I came in here 
this morning to tell you what has lately happened to 
me. On flRt Thursday night, about the hour of mid- 



158 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

nighty I heard a loud rap on my window near the head 
of my bed; I inquired who was there, and some one 
responded, ^ The devil/ I could see him plainly through 
the window. I then asked him what he wanted, and 
he replied, have come for J. B/ I slept none the 
balance of the night, and felt miserable during all day 
Friday. On Friday night I fell asleep, and about the 
same hour I was again aroused by the devil; I jumped 
out of my bed, and found that he had opened the win- 
dow and was about to come in. I seized my old Bible 
and fought him at the window till the light of the 
morning. Last night, soon after I retired I heard three 
loud raps on the head-board of my bed. I arose quickly, 
and found the devil standing about the middle of the 
floor. He appeared about three feet high, with broad 
shoulders, lend a horribly-disfigured countenance, with 
keen, flashing eyeballs. I asked him what he was 
doing there; he replied, have come for the last time 
for Mr. J. B., and I am determined to take him, sir, 
soul and body, to hell before the light of the morning ' 
I replied, 'I will go to Grod, but not with the devil. 
He then came toward me, and I seized my old Bible and 
punched him in the face till broad daylight in the 
morning. I tell you nothing but the truth, and I can re- 
fer you to old Mr. , who was staying at our house, 

for the truth of what I now tell you.^^ 

During this strange recital the old man at times was 
greatly agitated. He held the Bible tightly clinched 
with both hands, and occasionally lifted it high over his 
head. This rendered the whole affair one of interest to 
all who beheld him. He lived near the bank of Red 
Oak Creek, not far from a large mound, in a two-story 
frame house. He was cruel to his wife, and a short 
time before this frightful attack of delirium tremens she 
had been compelled to seek shelter amowg 1^(1^ acquaint- 



WEST UNION CIRCUIT. 



15^ 



ance. He did not recover from the attack for more than 
two weeksj during which time he kept the Bible con- 
stantly by his side when at home^ and when he walked 
out in town he carried it under his arm, and at night 
slept with it under his pillow. 

The close of my first year in the itinerancy will never 
be forgotten. My first colleague, Rev. John A. Baugh- 
man, was an indefatigable and popular Methodist trav- 
eling preacher. In addition to the regular quarterly 
meetings he often appointed two and three days' meet- 
ings at extreme points on the circuit. He could not 
be satisfied to close up the labors of his second confer- 
ence year without another camp meeting. This meeting 
was numerously attended, and resulted in the conversion 
of many precious souls. Father Collins, who was then 
the presiding elder of the district, was present, and 
assisted in the direction and management of the exer- 
cises with his usual tact and superior ability. On the 
last night of the meeting I was appointed to preach at 
seven o'clock; but at the time of sounding the trumpet 
for preaching the prayer meeting was still in progress, 
which had begun immediately after the close of the 
afternoon sermon. The lamps were all lighted and the 
wood-fires burning brightly. The altar was filled with 
weeping penitents; and when the time arrived for preach- 
ing, the battle-cry was so loud the sound of the trumpet 
was not heard by those engaged in the prayer meeting. 
It was finally agreed not to interrupt the altar exercises, 
but to let God work in his own way. The meeting 
progressed with power and great glory. Sinners by 
scores "fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before 
them." The exercises, without the slightest degree of 
abatement, continued till eleven o'clock. At this stage 
of the meeting Rev. W. T. H., who was then traveling 
on WhitiR)ak circuit, drew off the crowd from the 



160 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 




altar by tlie following novel method: At the far end 
of the middle aisle, in front of the pulpit, he assembled 
the ^'ancient men,'' and the young men, and the chief 
singers, and the sons of the singers. He also appointed 
a trumpeter, and when the signal was given the whole 
company of believers" moved in a procession of three 
abreast around the encampment, inside of the circle of 
tents^ singing as they marched, 

" Blow ye the trumpet, blow, 

The gladly-solemn sound, 
Let all the nations know, 

To earth's remotest bound, 
The year of jubilee is come ; 

Return ye ransomed sinners home." 

Such a scene had never been witnessed in that res^ion 
of country before. The wicked were overawed, and re- 
treated from the outskirts to the center of the ground. 
Father Collins and myself repaired to the preachers' 
stand to witness the solemn procession and to watch 
the movements of the enemy. After the army of 
Israel had '^compassed the encampment, in going about 
it once/' they halted for a few minutes to the left of 
the preachers^ stand, and sounded the trumpet and gave 
thanks, and then all with one accord cried, " The sword 
of the Lord and of Grideon!" and then they resumed 
their triumphal march, blowing the trumpet at each 
succeeding revolution till they had encompassed the 
encampment of our Israel six times. Rev. W. T. H. 
then arose and addressed them in a most powerful 
manner for a short time, and to my great surprise closed 
by stating, that after marching the seventh time around 
the camp they would halt opposite the stand at the 
sound of the trumpet; and as brother Gaddis was pre- 
vented from preaching in the evening at the appointed 
hour, he would now preach a short sermon l^pbhe whole 



WEST UNION CIRCUIT. 



161 



congregation, commencing precisely at the solemn hour 
of midnight. On hearing this '^unexpected announce- 
ment" I repaired to the preachers' tent, and fell upon 
my face and cried to Grod for help in this the hour of 
need. As it was to be my farewell sermon, I selected 
for my text the following appropriate words : " Casting 
all your care upon him, for he careth for you." The 
Bcene before me was grand and imposing. The whole 
congregation were standing on their feet, and many al- 
ready bathed in tears. At first my voice faltered, but 
I then heard the well-known voice of the venerable 
Collins behind me in the pulpit, saying, " Be not afraid 
of their faces, for the Lord hath given you the city." 
It gave me great encouragement; I had not spoken long 
before I rose far above all my embarrassment and ex- 
perienced the truth of the declaration of the prophet 
Nehemiah, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." I 
was filled with the spirit of rejoicing while dwelling on 
the encouraging promise, " He careth for you." I con- 
tinued to preach till my voice could be heard no longer, 
for the cries of the "wounded" and the shouts of the 
"redeemed." That was a night of "great gladness, 
for Grod made them rejoice with great joy, their wives 
also, and their children rejoiced, so that the joy of 
Jerusalem was heard even afar off." The battle waxed 
hot the remainder of the night. More than fifty souls 
found peace in believing before the sun arose on our 
tents in the wilderness. 

After breakfast, at the sound of the trumpet, we all 
assembled at the stand to hear a parting address from 
my indefatigable colleague, at the close of which he 
opened the doors of the Church, and about forty made 
application for membership, most of whom had been 
awakened ^d converted the night previous. 

We loved the people on that circuit, and I believe it 
14 



162 rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

was fully reciprocated on their part. At the close of 
the meeting we were requested to come out in front 
of the "stand/^ that the members of the Church might 
have the privilege of shaking hands with us before we 
parted to meet no more. We did so, and I suppose I 
shook hands with upward of a hundred persons. I could 
not endure it any longer; my hand and arm were both 
sore, and I requested publicly to be excused, and told 
the audience, as my colleague was very stout and hearty 
he must do my part and his own too, to which he cor- 
dially assented. I retired with a full heart, amid the 
flowing tears and warm benedictions, while they sung that 
well-known parting hymn commencing, 

*' My dearest friends in bonds of love, 
Whose hearts the sweetest union prove." 



CHAPTER XXII. 

SCIOTO CIRCUIT. 

In the fall of 1807 Rev. John Collins was appointed 
preacher in charge of the Scioto circuit. Early in 
that conference year he organized a small class at the 
house of Mr. Peter Shultz, in the town of West Union, 
and appointed William Russel leader. At a quarterly 
meeting held at Benjamin Turner's residence, on Scioto 
circuit, July 16, 1808, there were seventeen class-leaders 
present, among whom is recorded on the "Steward's 
book" the name of William Russel. This devoted friend 
of Methodism settled in West Union, and opened a dry 
goods store, June 19, 1807. William Armstrong moved 
from Maysville and settled at West Union, May 21, 1806. 
He was also a good man, and loved our Zi^ most fer- 
vently till called away by the hand of death. Brother 



SCIOTO CIRCUIT. 



163 



Russel represented the society at the quarterly meeting 
at Benjamin Turner's dwelling, August 11, 1809. In 
August, 1810, at a quarterly meeting held at George Suit- 
er's residence, the names of seventeen preaching-places 
are entered on the Stewards' book for Scioto circuit, and 
the several amounts paid by each society. At that period 
the class at West Union is credited with $3.50 quarter- 
age. The total amount of quarterage and public collec- 
tions on the circuit that year only amounted to $89.68, 
of which the presiding elder, Kev. John Sale, received 
$4; Rev. Alexander Cummins, $46.50; and his col- 
league, Kev. Robert Dobbins, $36.57. In 1811 the so- 
ciety at "West Union is credited with $6, and in the 
year 1812 they contributed $7. In 1815 Rev. Grreen- 
bury R. Jones was appointed Recording Steward. West 
Union in 1816 paid $22 quarterage. Brush Creek 
circuit was organized in 1811. In 1817, while John Col- 
lins was presiding elder, and Charles Waddle, preacher in 
charge, it was determined by official action on the part 
of the quarterly meeting conference to locate the parson- 
age house in the town of West Union, and an average 
tax of fifty cents to each member be levied on all the 
societies in the circuit to procure a lot and erect the 
building. In August 15, 1819, Rev. Leroy Swormstedt, 
then preacher in charge of Brush Creek circuit, ap- 
pointed the following persons as trustees of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church in West Union : William Russel, 
Peter Shultz, John Meek, and Gr. R. Jones. To these 
the name of A. Hollingsworth was soon added. A beau- 
tiful lot was purchased of the late William Armstrong for 
the sum of $50, on which a plain, substantial church 
edifice was erected the ensuing year. It is thirty-five 
feet wide and forty-five long. The property was secured 
by deed from William Armstrong under date of Septem- 
ber 30, 181§. During the administration of Rev. Leroy 



164 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

Swormstedt; the finances of Brush Creek circnit were in 
a healthy state. At the close of his administration, after 
paying ofi" all the claims, the stewards sent a surplus 
to the annual conference of 838.18. 

The society at West Union from a very early period 
contributed more for the support of the Grospel than any 
other society on Brush Creek circuit. It was at one time 
composed of a number of talented and liberal-hearted 
men, most of whom have gone to reap the reward of 
well-doing in a better state of existence. Abraham Hol- 
lingsworth, Esq., is the only survivor of the old board 
of trustees. He united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in 1819, is now in his seventy-fourth year, and is 
a man of great moral worth and much beloved for his ad- 
herence to the ^^old paths. He was elected Recording 
Steward in 1827, and continued to serve the Church in 
that capacity till 1852, a period of twenty-five years. He 
now enjoys a green old age, longing for the rest to come. 

SCIOTO AND BRUSH CREEK CERCUIT RECORDS. 
In one of my rambles I found the first Stewards' book 
of the original Scioto circuit. I will make a few extracts 
from that ancient record : 

THE 

BOOK OF RECORDS 

FOR SCIOTO CIRCUIT. 
chapter i. 

Septejibee 7, 1804. 

Section 1. — Quarterly meeting began, and was held at 
White Brown's residence on Deer creek, William Burke, 
presiding elder; Joseph Oglesby and John Meek, travel- 
ing preachers. Conference being called, the members 
thereof passed the following resolutions, namely: 

(1.) That John Shields shall be Secretary for Scioto 
circuit. 



SCIOTO CIRCUIT. 



165 



(2.) That lie shall purchase a book and keep the 
records for said circuit. 

(3.) That all the local preachers, exhorters, leaders, 
and stewards shall have their names enrolled in the book 
of records. 

(4.) That William Tolbert, of the Big Bottom, below 
Pee Pee, has forfeited his license by neglecting class meet- 
ing, and not having his name enrolled on any class-paper. 

William Burke, P. E. 

John Shields, R. S. 

Stephen Timmons, 1 
Thomas Scott, ' 



Deacons. 



Leaders. 



Edward Tiffin, 
Thomas Odle, 
Wm. Jackson, ) 

Anthony Davenport, 
Thomas Wood, 
John Connell, 
Geo. Vincenhellor, 
White Brown, 
Henry Bowdle, 
Charles Mahan, 
Michael Harr, 
Morgan Williams, 
Benjamin Grace, 
John Crewit, 
Simon Field, 
William Wykoff, 
John Perrell, 
John Shields, 
EwD. Harr, 
Alexander Boen, 
William Karen, 

Thomas Curry, \ Preachers. 

George Rogers, 
Joseph Moore, 
Lewis Foster, 
Jesse Mounts, 

Section 2. — (1.) That a committee be appointed to 
draw up a subscription for the purpose of purchasing land 



166 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



to build a house and make improvements thereon, for the 
accommodation of the traveling preachers, and the use 
of Scioto circuit, according to Discipline, chap, i, sec. 26. 

(2.) That White Brown, William Karen, Lewis Foster, 
and John Shields compose said committee. 

Jno. Shields, Secretary. Wm. Burke, P. E. 

Section 3. — That the stewards of each circuit shah 
send to each leader within the hounds of his district, 
on each quarter, an account of the state of the finances 
of the last quarter, and once each year to send a cir- 
cular letter, stating the amount given by each clasd 
during the previous year, and also the number of per- 
sons in each class. William Burke, P. E. 

John Shields, Secretary. 

Section 4. — The Committee on Subscriptions pre- 
sented the following paper, which was read before the 
conference, and adopted : 
To all whom these presents shall come greeting : 

Whereas, the inhabitants of Scioto circuit have la- 
bored under considerable inconvenience in not having 
a sufficient and regular supply of itinerant preachers; 
and, whereas, it is thought, by many, that purchasing 
a lot of land, and building a house thereon, for the 
accommodation of itinerant preachers who may have 
wives and children, would, under the blessing, remedy 
the evil : we have thought it necessary, after mature 
deliberation, to recommend to our friends to lend their 
aid in this noble cause, according to the ability which 
God hath given. [Here follows the names of the trus- 
tees, etc.] Signed, William Burke, P. E. 

John Shields, Secretary. 

CHAPTER II. 

Quarterly meeting conference held at Thomas Bowdle's, 
August 2, 1805. 

Preachers present, William Burke, P. E.; Thomas 



SCIOTO CIRCUIT. 



167 



Scott and Stephen Timmons, elders ; Edward Tiffin, 
Thomas Odel, William Jackson, William Tolbert. dea- 
cons. 

At this meeting but little business of importance was 
transacted. 



At a quarterly meeting held at Twin creek, on Scioto 
circuit, on the first Saturday and Sunday in May, 1806; 
present, John Sale, P. E. ; James Quinn, Peter Cart- 
wright, William Karens, Alexander Rowen, Geo. Yincen- 
hellor, Benjamin Adair, Michael Hare, White Brown, 
Stephen Timmons, Charles Mahan, George M'Cormick, 
James English, John Martin, Elias Turner, and Hector 
Sandford. 

Edward Tiffin was appointed Secretary. 

The next quarterly meeting was held at White Brown's, 
August 15, 1806. A considerable amount of business 
was transacted at this conference. Hector Sandford and 
Joseph Bennett were recommended to the district con- 
ference as traveling preachers. 

The next quarterly meeting was held at Salem meet- 
ing-house, 23d of November, 1806. 

The following list of the first preaching-places, and 
the amounts collected at each, will, no doubt, be read 
with interest by all : 

Preaching-places. Amount. Preaching-places. Amount. 

Moore's class $2 50 Davis's $1 75 

Worley's 2 00 Bunell's 1 00 

P. Moore's 00 D. Fraley's 00 



CHAPTER III. 



"W. Mustai'd's 

Sargent's 

Thomas Foster's. 
C. L. Brown's . . . 
Twin creek .... 

Chillicothe 

Bowdle's , 

Chinaworth's 

William Brown's 

Lucas's 

Golsberry's 



00 
00 
7 25 
00 
4 00 
10 50 
6 62 
00 

00 

1 00 
00 




00 

1 48 

00 

1 68 
00 
00 

00 
4 78 

1 00 

2 00 



Fitchpatrick's . 
Sullivan's .... 

Butcher's 

John Kindal's. 
James Kindal's 

"Wood's 

Odel's 

Briant's 

Peterson's .... 



168 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

After defraying contingent expenses, Rev. Anthony 
Houston, circuit preaclier, received $14.87, and Rev. 
Milton Ladd, assistant, $18.38, and Rev. John Sale, 
presiding elder, received $6. How small when contrasted 
with the present ! 

The next quarterly meeting was held at Salem meet- 
ing-house, January 23, 1808. Twenty-one classes were 
represented, and Rev. John Collins, preacher in charge, 
received $31.37 salary, and Joseph Bennett $16.40, and 
Rev. John Sale, presiding elder, $3.35. 

The ensuing quarterly meeting, for 1808, was held at 
Benjamin Turner's, July 16, 1808. There were present 
at that meeting sixteen preachers, six exhorters, eighteen 
class-leaders, two stewards, and John Shields, Recorder 
and general Steward} also, John Foster, Edward Karen, 
George Vincenhellor, and Elijah Truitt licensed to 
preach on trial for one year. 

August 11, 1809. — At Benjamin Turner's, Robert W. 
Finley and James B. Finley were recommended as travel- 
ing preachers. Rev. Abbott Goddard, circuit preacher, 
received, for his services on the circuit, the sum of 
$56.12^, and his colleague. Rev. Joseph Williams, the 
same amount for one year's hard toil. 

May 19, 1810. — Quarterly meeting was held at Thomas 
Foster's; John Sale, presiding elder, and Rev. Alexander 
Cummins and Robert Dobbins, circuit preachers. 

August 25, 1810, it was held at George Suiter's, and 
the next was held at Joseph Moore's, December 15, 
1810. The total amount of quarterage sent to this 
meeting was only $6.80, to be divided between the 
presiding elder, Solomon Langdon, and the two circuit 
preachers, Timmons and Fraley. These were the days 
of trial. 

Brush Creek circuit was organized in 1811. The first 
quarterly meeting was held at Joseph Moore's, February 



SCIOTO CIRCtllT. 



169 



22, 1811 — William Kearn and Daniel Fraley, circuit 
preachers. 

Second quarterly meeting was held at Zepheniah 
Waid's, May 8, 1811; the third quarterly meeting at 
Eagle creek camp -ground, August 8; the fourth at 
Brush creek meeting-house, September 9, 1811, at which 
meeting Robert W. Finley was recommended to the 
annual conference, William P. Finley licensed to preach, 
and Rev. William Kearn recommended to the annual 
conference. The total amount collected for the support 
of two preachers and the elder did not exceed one hun- 
dred and ten dollars. 

At Alexander Mehaff/s on Eagle creek, in Brown 
county, about twelve miles east of Ripley, a quarterly 
meeting was held September 12, 1812; Solomon Lang- 
don, presiding elder; Isaac Pavey, circuit preacher. 
Among the class-leaders present, I find the name of 
Henry B. Bascom, late Bishop Bascom. His name is 
first entered on the Scioto circuit book of records as 
class-leader, September 12, 1812 ; and in May 29, 1813^ 
It appears again among the leaders, at which time the 
society at Fitch's, on Eagle creek, through him, is 
credited with $4.50 quarterage. And at a quarterly 
meeting at Philip Moore's, May 29, 1813 — James Quinn, 
presiding elder, and Robert W. Finley, circuit preacher — 
Henry B. Bascom was elected and licensed to preach the 
Gospel. 

At the Eagle creek camp-ground, August 9, 1813, at 
the last quarterly meeting, I find the following unique 
record: 

^* Henry B. Bascom recommended to annual conference 
for a circuit to travel and preach ; obtained it. 

Signed, Rob't. W. Finley, Pres. pro tern." 
At this meeting, brother Bascom received $16.43 quar- 
terage for his services on the circuit as assistant. 

15 ♦ 



170 rooT-PRiNTs or an itinerant. 



In 1815 and 1816 the number of societies liad in- 
creased to thirty, and tbe names of fifteen local preachers 
are recorded on the " official list " as residents within the 
bounds of the Brush Creek circuit, among whom are 
found the names of Greenbury R. Jones, John Meek, 
William Page, Eobert Dobins, Christopher "Wamsley. 

In 1823 Rev. H. B. Bascom was preacher in charge 
of Brush Creek circuit, and received seventy-one dollars 
and ninety -eiglit cents quarterage. 

At the close of this year a camp meeting was held at 
Jacob Turner's, near the Chillicothe road. Rev. William 
M'Kendree, senior bishop, was present at that time, and 
preached. 

In 1831 Brush Creek circuit had increased to forty- 
one classes, and sustained three preachers ; namely. Rev. 
G. W. Walker, Rev. Henry E. Pilcher, Rev. A. D. Beas- 
ley; Augustus Eddy, presiding elder. Total amount of 
collections from all the classes and "public collections," 
$561.87. 

In the fall of 1832 the annual conference changed 
the name of the old Brush Creek circuit to that of West 
Union, and appointed Rev. Henry Turner and George C. 
Crum circuit preachers. 

On the 13th day of December, 1835, I commenced 
traveling West Union circuit, under the direction of the 
elder. Rev. Leroy Swormstedt. I preached once every 
four weeks at the following places : Ripley, Fitch's, Ab- 
erdeen, Pownell's, Ebenezer Copple's school-house, Deca- 
tur, Hopewell Moore's meeting-house, John Connell's, 
West Union, Freeland's, Satterfield's, Naylor's, Dreen- 

non's, Beasley's Fork, Manchester, 's, Melvin's. 

, Matheny's school-house, "Grimes's Well," 

Eckman's, Watson's, Penny wait's. At the last quarterly 
meeting held at Richard Noleman's, near the camp- 
ground, I was recommended as a suitable person to be 



SCIOTO CIRCUIT. 



171 



admitted into the traveling connection. The late Rev. 
John Collins was then acting as presiding elder. My 
salary, for services rendered, was $87. 

In 1848 West Union circuit was again divided, and 
the south-western part is now called Aberdeen. 

In the year 1827, when Eev. Russel Bigelow was pre- 
siding elder, and Rev. Wesley Browning and Rev. Absa- 
lom D. Fox circuit preachers, there were sixty official 
members on the old Brush Creek circuit, among whom 
were many men of talents both in the local ranks and 
laity. Rev. G-. R. Jones was Recording Steward for sev- 
eral years. He and his nephew. Rev. Z. Connell, were 
recommended from that circuit to the annual conference 
in 1818. The late Hon. William Russell, who, for many 
years, resided at West Union, was for a long time an 
official member of the circuit. The late William Arm- 
strong served as a member of the Board of Stewards for 
a long time previous to his removal to Cincinnati, in the 
summer of 1826. How many interesting reminiscences 
are awakened in regard to the past history of the Church 
and many of its valued members, by the brief outline I 
have here sketched, and how full of instruction and 
encouragement to all who take pleasure in contemplating 
her glorious future ! 

I will now furnish my readers with a few extracts from 
the old Scioto circuit records, after Brush Creek circuit 
was organized. 

"STEWARDS' BOOK 

"OF THE SCIOTO CIRCUIT, 
" Which was divided, ia the year 1811, into the present form." 

This book was kept by Rev. Thomas Wilson, who was 
the Recording Steward of the circuit. Father Wilson 
lived near the present town of Sharonville, in the " Big 



172 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Bottom/^ below CMllicotlie. He was long a pillar in the 
Churcli of Christ, and was universally and eminently 
respected for his evenness of temper and consistency of 
life. The following is an exact transcript of the first 
page of this old Stewards' Book 

Quarterly meeting held at Freshour's, November 16 
and 17, 1811. 



Thomas Foster's, 
Richard Foster's, 
Cheno-with's . . . 
Shelpman's .... 

Mustard's 

Davis's 

Kerne's 

Johnagan's , . . . . 

Lucas's 

Fitchpatrick's. . . 

Hillsboro 

Drake's 

Jackson's 

Pavey's 

HiU's 

Thomas's 

Lunback's ..... 
Garner's 



50 

061^ 

50 
65 
63 
18 
00 
00 
25 
00 
25 
60 
00 



•3 p-^ 



The second quarterly meeting was held in Hillsboro, 
February 1st and 2d, 1812, at which the collections 
amounted to S42.36J. 

The third quarterly meeting was held at Pee-Pee, or 
Chenowith's, about two miles from Piketon, April 18th 
and 19th, 1812. Amount collected, 864.60^. 

The fourth quarterly meeting was held on Paint creek, 
near the present town of Bournville, September 19th and 
20th, 1812. Amount raised, 865.03. 

In order to form some idea of the size of the circuit 
traveled by Ralph Lotspeich alone, in the years 1811 
and 1812, and the scanty support which he received 
from that large territory, I will give the names of all the 



SCIOTO CIRCUIT. 



173 



appointments^ and tlie aggregate paid by eacli during the 
whole year^ and also the appropriations made. 



Thomas Foster's $37 25 

Richard Foster's 12 72 

Chenowith's 18 66 

Shelpraan's 37 

Mustard's 7 18 

Davis's 3 28 

Kerne's 5 30 

Johnagan's 7 80 

Lucas's 8 60 

Fitchpatrick's 8 94 

Hillsboro, 16 81 

Drake's 9 80 

Jackson's 2 50 

Pavey's 3 63 

Hill's 3 50 

Thomas's 00 

Yokeam's 00 

Lunback's 8 50 



Solomon Langdon, P. E. 

. Traveling expenses . . .$00 87 

Quarterage 12 00 

Ralph Lotspeich. Trav- 
eling expenses 4 13 



Garner's $2 50 

Butcher's 2 56 

Hare's 17 60 

Graves's 2 13 

Hughey's 2 00 

Verdan's 2 00 

M'Kinsey's 4 00 

Public collection at 2d 

and 3d quar. meetings. 7 31 
At Hinton's camp meet- 
ing, August 2d 3 33 

Big Bottom camp meet- 
ing, August 16th 8 87 

Paint creek camp meet- 
ing, Sept. 21st 2 45 



Total $209 59 



Quarterage $189 17 

Wine 3 42 



Total $209 59 



APPROPRIATIONS. 



Thus, it will be seen that this large circuit of twenty- 
five appointments, extending from Paint creek to Sun- 
fish, and from the "Big Bottom,'' on the Scioto river, to 
Hillsboro, was traveled by one preacher; and for his 
labors he received the paltry sum of one hundred and 
eighty-nine dollars and seventeen cents. In those days 
there were no appropriations for house-rent and table 
expenses. There was not, perhaps, a meeting-house in 
all the circuit: hence, the places are generally desig- 
nated by private residences. Three camp meetings were 
held during the year. The Scioto circuit then embraced 
what is now included in Sharonville, Waverly, Bain- 
bridge, Sinking Springs, and Highland circuits, and 
Hillsboro station. Then one man cultivated the whole 



174 



rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



field, now it employs the time and labors of ten; then 
there were nine hundred and eleven members, now three 
thousand, three hundred and eighty-seven ; then there 
were no meeting-houses, now they are multiplied. In 
1811 the Scioto circuit paid but about two hundred 
dollars for the support of the Grospel, now, in 1855, the 
same territory gives, perhaps, not less than four thou- 
sand dollars. Thus the little one has become a thou- 
sand, and, we may say, with emphasis, what has Grod 
wrought ! If Lotspeich could only have looked forward 
forty-three years, to the present time, and have contem- 
plated the present condition of his field, what a min- 
gled feeling of wonder and delight would have filled his 
mind! Hundreds have already followed him from the 
old Scioto circuit, and thousands more are on the way. 
To aod be all the glory! 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

WHITE OAK CIRCUIT. 

The next year I was appointed to "White Oak circuit, 
in Clermont county, Ohio. This was a year of unusual 
interest to me. I had twenty regular appointments to 
fill in three weeks j this was very hard work for one as 
feeble in health as I was at that time. The people, 
however, received me with great kindness, and the work 
of the Lord prospered. The Lord gave me some spir- 
itual children at almost every appointment. I shall 
never forget the feelings with which I commenced my 
labors in the town of Felicity. On Saturday evening, 
after supper, I went out in search of the church; and 
when I found it, I went round to the rear of the build- 



WHITE OAK CIRCUIT. 



175 



ing and kneeled down with my face toward the wall, 
opposite the pulpit window, and there poured out my 
goul in mighty prayers, with strong cries and tears. The 
burden of my cry was that God would help me, every 
time I stood within those consecrated walls, to preach 
Christ and him crucified with the Holy Ghost sent 
down from heaven. I did not leave that spot till I felt 
that my prayer was heard, and that God would fulfill 
his promise, ^^Lo, I am with you alway.'' 

At one of my appointments, at the close of service, 
a lady came forward and requested me to preach the 
funeral sermon of her husband. I understood they were 
both members of our Church. I immediately consented, 
and arose and informed the congregation that at my 
next appointment in that church I would preach the 
funeral sermon of brother N. I observed the announce- 
ment produced great surprise in the audience. After 
the congregation was dismissed I learned that Mr. N. 
was a Universalist in sentiment, and had died without 
any certain hope of future happiness. This perplexed 
me very much; but after a moment's reflection I con- 
cluded to meet my engagement, and trust in God for 
help and divine direction, that he would overrule it all 
for his glory and the good of others. At the appointed 
time a large concourse of people were assembled, many 
more than could find seats in the church. I selected 
for my text Psalm cxlv, 20: ^^The Lord preserveth all 
them that love him, but all the wicked will he destroy." 
I had great liberty of speech, and the Lord carried 
home the truth to many hearts. I informed them in 
the close that I had no knowledge whatever of the life 
and character of the deceased; I had been told, however, 
that he was a Universalist, and lived an immoral life. 
It was not for me to pronounce his doom; long since 
his spirit had passed into the presence of the Judge 



176 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

of all the earth, who would render to every man 
according to his works. I then exhorted all present 
to shun his vices and imitate his virtues; for only 
those who loved God could expect his protection in 
time and his approving smile in eternity. I desired 
them to ponder well the solemn declaration in my text, 
^'but all the wicked will he destroy." Blessed be the 
name of Grod ! although I sowed the precious seed " 
with tears on that solemn occasion, it was not many 
months till we were permitted to "reap in joy." Early 
in the spring I appointed a two days' meeting in that 
church, and on Sabbath at three o'clock the "Lord 
made bare his holy arm in the sight of all the people.'^ 
The altar was filled with weeping penitents, and several 
found peace in believing. I appointed a meeting on 
Monday morning, doubting whether many would be able 
to attend, as the church was in the country and the 
farmers busily engaged in planting corn; but to my great 
astonishment, the church was almost full of deeply- 
attentive hearers. Rev. John Miley, then a student 
at Augusta College, came over to my assistance, and 
preached during the whole meeting with a holy unction, 
such as I had seldom witnessed. During that day the 
word of the Lord spread like fire in dry stubble, and 
twenty found peace in believing. The next day the 
battle waxed much hotter, and the farmers laid aside 
their work and brought their families with them to the 
house of God. During the balance of that week we 
held meeting twice every day, and for three days we ate 
our dinners at the church, because we could not find 
time to go home between the morning service and the 
exercises at three o'clock, P. M. We kept up the meet- 
ing till the following Monday morning, during which 
time fifty were soundly converted to God and nearly 
forty added to the Methodist Episcopal Church That 



REVIVAL IN A SCHOOL. 



177 



was the first protracted meeting ever held in that 
neighborhood. It was a time of refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord" never to be forgotten. Many 
were awakened and converted, who shortly afterward 
united with other denominations in that region of coun- 
try. To God be all the glory for all the good that was 
wrought by our hands on that memorable occasion ! 
"His own arm hath gotten him the victory." Amen. 



CHAPTER XXiy. 

REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN A SCHOOL. 

In the latter part of the winter of 1837, in F., I 
witnessed a most glorious revival of religion in a school- 
room. It was effected principally through the instru- 
mentality of Miss , the preceptress. Early one 

morning, while engaged in the performance of pastoral 
duty, a messenger came in haste to inform me that the 
principal of the school wished to see me immediately. 
For a moment I hesitated, not being able to determine 
whether to go then or defer it till I had accomplished 
my round of pastoral visitations. It was not long, how- 
ever, till a second messenger was sent to inform me that 
there was an unusual religious excitement among the 
pupils. This enabled me to decide in a moment what 
course to pursue. I resolved to go with the messenger; 
and on entering the school-room, I was surprised at the 
scene before me. All eyes were suffused in tears, and 
heart-felt sorrow was depicted in every face. The precep- 
tress, who was a member of another Church, received me 
kindly, and as soon as I was seated, gave me the follow- 
ing interesting account of all that had transpired up to 



178 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

the time that she had sent for me to visit her school • 
"This morning," said she, "after reading the usual 
morning Scripture lesson, in which all the pupils take 
a part, I felt deeply impressed by the Spirit that before 
we commenced the regular forenoon recitations I ought 
to address the young ladies on the great importance of 
seeking first the kingdom of Grod and his righteousness. 
This I did in the best way that I could. I then told 
them, as the session was drawing near to a close and the 
time of our separation was at hand, I felt interested in 
nothing so much as the salvation of their immortal 
souls. I then closed my remarks by expressing the fond 
hope, when life's toils are ended, to be reunited with 
them in the heavenly world. They then requested me 
to pray for them, which I have done in secret almost 
every day. After prayers I ordered them to prepare 
their recitation, but not one of them left their seats ; 
they all bowed their heads, and some wept aloud. I 
talked to them again, and asked them what they wished 
me to do more. They then asked me to send for a 
minister to pray for them, and tell them ^what they 
must do to be saved.' And by a rising vote they re- 
quested me to send for you, and I am truly glad that 
you are now present, for I can do nothing more.'' She 
then resumed her seat, bathed in tears, and appeared 
deeply affected. I arose and sung part of the hymn 
commencing, 

"Alas, and did my Savior bleed, 
And did my Sovereign die !" etc. 

And while singing the verse so expressive of consecra- 
tion and entire surrender to Grod, 

"But drops of grief can ne'er repay 
The debt of love I owe; 
Here, Lord, I give myself away, 
'Tis all that I can do," 



REVIVAL IN A SCHOOL. 



179 



the Spirit of God seemed to be working powerfully in 
every heart. Half-suppressed sighs and penitential sobs 
filled every bosom. The scene at that moment was well 
calculated to melt the most obdurate heart in the world. 
We then kneeled in prayer at the shrine of mercy, and 
mingled our tears and fervent prayers together. I then 
requested any of the young ladies, who felt like do- 
ing so, to rise up in their seats and relate to their 
school-mates the exercises of their mind. Many arose 
in different parts of the house and spoke freely, and 
closed by expressing their determination to give them- 
selves up fully to the service of Grod in the morning of 
life. This produced a still deeper impression on the 
minds of tne half-awakened, and caused a more general 
excitement than before. By request I again united in 
singing and prayer for the broken-hearted mourners. I 
then read a part of the third chapter of the Grospel of 
the Evangelist John, and explained to them the nature 
and necessity of the new hirth, together with the man- 
ner of obtaining it — by a simple act of faith in the 
Son of God. I closed my remarks by repeating several 
times, " Whosoever cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast 
them out." While I spoke the word with great boldness, 
it was a time of general weeping and merciful visitation 
to many a sinner's heart. 

The whole forenoon was spent in suitable religious 
exercises, exhortation, singing, preaching, and prayer. 
Blessed be God, the seed ^^fell into good ground and 
brought forth fruit, some a hundred-fold, some sixty- 
fold, and some thirty-fold." Many on that morning 
found peace in believing. This will appear to the reader 
by perusing a few extracts written in the memorandum 
books of the young ladies on the afternoon of that ever- 
memorable day, February 14, 1837. These precious 
little memorials were furnished me by their teacher at the 



180 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



close of the session. I will only transcribe a few of 
them : 

"I have learned this day, by happy experience, that 
it is a good thing to remember our Creator in the days 
of our youth. H. N. A." 

^'^I have learned this day, by happy experience, that 
those who obtain an interest in Christ can rejoice with 
exceeding great joy. M. A. B." 

"I have learned this day, by happy experience, that 
nothing but religion will fit us for the kingdom of Grod. 

"J. L. W." 

" I have learned this day how important it is for us to 

' Tell to sinners round 
What a dear Savior I have found;' 

and how Grod loves those who approach him in prayer in 
the morning as well as in the evening. A, 0." 

I continued to visit the school, to pray and converse 
with the pupils for several days subsequent, and before 
the end of the session most of them were savingly con- 
verted to God. Since that interesting occurrence how 
many changes have transpired in that town and vicinity ! 
A number of those who embraced religion in that re- 
vival have long since died in the hope of the Grospel, 
and others are now useful members of the Church mil- 
itant. 



CHAPTER XXy. 

CONVERSION OF MISS W., A SCHOOL-TEACHER 
PROM VERMONT. 

At the commencement of a two days' meeting in 
F I requested all Christians present to single out their 
dearest friends as the subject of special "intercession" 



CONVERSION or A TEACHER. 181 

during the progress of the meeting; and also desired 
every one who would thus agree to carry their friends 
to the ^Hroubled pool/' to rise up in the congregation. 
Many did sO; and among them a young lady of another 
denomination. The meeting was one of great interest. 
In answer to prayer many had the pleasure of seeing 
their children and neighbors converted to God. About 
fifty were converted and over thirty added to the Church, 
My colleague, Rev. John A. Baughman, preached and 
labored at this meeting with great success. At the close 
of this meeting I concluded to visit my relatives, some 
twenty-four miles distant. On my way home I passed 
through the town of Gr., the county seat of Brown. I 
was detained over night, and pressed to preach at a 
private house. The rooms were well filled, and I tried to 
do the best I could. At the close of my discourse I 
concluded to give them a short account of the work of 
God at F., and the manner in which it had been carried 
on. I especially alluded to the ''public covenant,'^ 
made at the close of the first sermon, in which many prom- 
ised to make their unconverted relatives the subject of 
special prayer. I also informed them that nearly all 
were converted before the close of the meeting; and I 
hoped all of them would yet be saved for whom so many 
warm prayers had been offered within the last few weeks 
Here I was interrupted in the narration by the loud 
weeping of a young lady sitting just before me. The 
place "was shaken," and the feeling spread all over the 
house. I ceased to preach, and invited any present who 
desired an interest in our prayers to come forward. Two 
young ladies came up and joined with us in prayer at 
the close of the service. One of them appeared deeply 
convinced of sin, and wept most bitterly. Listen ! I will 
now give the sequel. At the meeting in F. a young 
lady who was a school-teacher from the state of Ver- 



182 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

mont, in whose scliool I had witnessed such a remarka- 
ble awakening a few months before, although a member 
of another Church, to the surprise of her friends arose 
and pledged herself to pray for some of her unconverted 
relatives, none of whom were living in that town at the 
time. However, she had a younger sister engaged in 
teaching school in the town of Gr., where I had preached 
so unexpectedly at night in ai private house. Miss W., 
after making the public covenant referred to above, went 
into her room and wrote to her unconverted sister, in 
substance, as follows : 

'^Dear Sister, — I attended the Methodist Episcopal 
church to-day, and very unexpectedly to myself felt it 
to be my duty to make a public pledge — as did many 
others in the congregation — to pray for their uncon- 
verted relatives. I write to let you know that, although 
absent from me, I will pray for you two or three times 
each day till you are ^made partaker of like precious 
faith with me.' Remember we are far from kindred and 
friends, and what great pleasure it would give me to 
know that you had an interest in Christ. Now, dear 
sister, let me exhort you to seek the Savior without 
delay." 

This communication at first made little or no impres- 
sion on the mind of her gay and thoughtless young sister. 
It seemed to her as an idle tale, and she cared nothing 
about the matter whatever. But on that evening, hear- 
ing that a strange young man was to preach in town, 
who resided in the same place where her older sister 
lived, she was induced, by a'' lOve of novelty, or a 
latent hope that she might hear something from her 
sister, to go to the place of worship. But 0, little did 
she think that I had a message,'' not from her sister, 
but from God, for her soul. She remained unmoved, 
however, till I referred to the singular fact that nearly 



CONVERSION OF A TEACHER. 183 

all had found peace in believing who were made the 
subject of prayer by their friends. At that moment 
her sister's almost-forgotten communication rushed upon 
her mind. She exclaimed, '^0, how ungrateful I am! 
For many long weeks my dear sister has been weeping 
and praying for my soul, and as yet I am thoughtless 
and forgetful of Grod, my Maker.'^ The Holy Spirit 
seized upon these circumstances, in connection with the 
sermon, to bring her, without delay, as a weeping peni- 
tent to the throne of mercy. At the close of the ser- 
mon she remained, and, to my great joy, made known 
the state of her mind, and related how strangely tlie 
Lord had awakened her soul that evening. I encour- 
aged her to seek the Lord witb all her heart, and prom- 
ised to pray for her also. She went home and com- 
municated with her sister that evening, and requested 
her not to cease praying for her by day and night till 
she should find Him of ^^whom Moses in the law and 
the prophets did write." It was not many weeks till 
they were permitted to rejoice together in hope of a 
common faith and a common salvation, in answer to their 
united faith and prayer. 

Shortly after her conversion she came to reside with 
her sister at E., and proposed to unite herself with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, to the great surprise of 
all her acquaintances and mortification of her older 
sister, who was of the Calvinistic school, and had been 
a Congregationalist. Every eff'ort was made by her 
sister and the Presbyterian minister and elders residing 
in that place, to dissuu,^j her from forming a union with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. But it was all in vain. 
Persecution of the most forbidding character was also 
tried without effect. The conduct of her opposers became 
the subject of public animadversion, and even the 
wicked declared their opposition to her wishes was anti- 



184 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

christian and cruel. But the young lady was firm and 
unyielding. She constantly affirmed her belief in our 
doctrines, and that she never could subscribe to the 
doctrines set forth in the Confession of Faith'' and 
standard works of the Presbyterian Church. She took 
ample time for reflection and prayer, and then with 
great deliberation came forward and joined with our 
society. In the course of a year or two she returned 
to the state of Yermont, and was the means of the con- 
version of many of her relatives, and when last heard 
from was still on her way to the kingdom of glory. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE TIMELY WARNING. 

About midsummer, at Calvary meeting-house, at the 
close of one of my sermons, I felt strangely drawn out 
while warning the congregation against the "delay of 
conversion." Many wept aloud, and the Spirit seemed to 
strive with the ungodly in a most wonderful manner. I 
told the congregation I felt impressed by the Spirit 
that some were hearing the last offer of salvation which 
would ever salute their ears in time. I lifted up my voice 
and wept, and cried, '^'0 that thou hadst known, in this 
thy day, the things that belong to thy peace I ' but soon, 
ah ! very soon, they will be hid from your eyes. ^Behold, 
now is tlie accepted time, and now is the day of salva- 
tion.' " I closed by saying, " I am fully persuaded that it is 
now or never with some who hear me at this hour." When 
the congregation was dismissed, a gentleman of the name 
of B., on his way home, remarked to his wife as fol- 
lows : " My dear, I had strange feelings to-day, such as 1 



THE TIMELY WARNING. 185 

never experienced before. I felt that I ought to unite 
with the Church immediately, or I fear it will soon be too 
late/' She replied,."! felt as solemn as if I was attending 
a funeral. Husband, I fear something of a serious nature 
is going to happen soon to one of us. 0, I do wish we 
were members of the Church and each prepared to die." 
This was the theme of their conversation for a considera- 
ble time after they left the house of Grod. They resided 
in the town of M., on the bank of the Ohio river, 
about four miles from the church. Mr. B. kept a 
wood-yard for the accommodation of steam-boats. Be- 
tween the going down of the sun and twilight, a boat 
rounded to, as was the custom of steamers, and took one 
of his wood-boats in tow, as she continued her upward 
voyage. When the wood was all placed on the guards of 
the steamer, and Mr. B. had received his money, he cast 
off one of his cables and jumped into his boat to return 
home. On passing the wheel-house he was suddenly 
knocked overboard, and sunk to rise no more. It was now 
quite dark, and the steam-boat continued her onward pasr 
sage, none knowing the melancholy fate of Mr. B. The 
evening was calm, the air was mild and balmy, and his 
wife went out soon after dark and seated herself by the 
river side to watch for his return. As time passed slowly 
away, she was filled with serious reflections upon the sol- 
emn services of the afternoon. The wood-boat drifted 
out into the current and passed by unobserved, but hef 
husband returned not. After waiting a reasonable time, 
she returned and expressed her fears to her family and 
friends that some accident had befallen him. She refused 
to retire to her bed, but spent the greater part of the 
night in company with some of her neighbors, on the 
bank of the river, watching for his return. 0, that was 
a sad and gloomy night ! The morning dawned, but no 
tidings from Mr. B. Messengers were dispatched up and 
16 



186 rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

down tlie river, and the boat was found ashore^ tlie next 
day, seven or eight miles below, confirming the belief that 
Mr. B. had found a watery grave. Several days afterward 
the body of her husband was recovered by a steam-boat in 
some shoal water, eight or ten miles below, and conveyed 
to his almost heart-broken wife in the town of M. A 
deep and settled gloom pervaded the entire community 
for many months after this melancholy occurrence. 

" There is a time, we know not when ; 

A point, we know not where, 
That seals the destiny of men 

For glory or despair : 
To pass that limit is to die." 

I often conversed with his bereaved companion in 
regard to this fatal catastrophe. She took the timely 
warning, sought an interest in Christ, and, not long after 
his death, I received her on trial in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

At our camp meeting, late at night, I opened the doors 
of the Church, and many came forward and made appli- 
cation for membership. Among that number, I noticed 
a very intelligent and promising young man. He seemed 
very much afi"ected, and manifested a degree of firmness 
of purpose that attracted my attention. At the close of 
the sermon, the next morning, I gave another invitation 
to any desiring to unite with the Church, and, to my sur- 
prise, this same young man came forward and gave me 
his hand again. When writing down the names of the 
applicants, I said to him, ^^My dear brother, did you not 
unite with the Church last night He replied, "0 yes." 
^^Why, then, have you come forward again?'' He an- 
swered. The excitement was very great last night, and 
a large number joined; I was afraid you did not get my 
name. I have considered the matter well. I am not 
ashamed of what I have done. I want the world, and all 



THE TIMELY WARNING. 



187 



my friends especially, to know that I have united with the 
people of God. Brother Gaddis, I want you to take my 
name again, so that there shall be no mistake about it/^ 

On taking my leave of the people on White Oak circuit, 
I undertook to preach what is called a "farewell sermon^' 
at all of my appointments. Many of those occasions 
were seasons of peculiar interest and trial. After the 
close of my last round, I was scarcely able to leave 
my bed for a week. At F. I closed the labors of the 
year with a two days' meeting. In this meeting I had 
the assistance of Kev. R. S. Foster, Rev. John Miley, and 
Rev. Levi P. Miller. The close of the meeting on Sab- 
bath night will never be forgotten by hundreds. Some 
of the members requested me to stand in the front of the 
altar, and, while the last hymn was singing, to allow the 
members to pass from the right to the left and bid me 
farewell. As I had no experience in things of this kind; 
and being naturally of an obliging spirit in matters of no 
vital importance, I readily gave my consent, and an- 
nounced the arrangement of the procession. However, it 
was not long before I was crying, and the people too, while 
some were shouting aloud the praises of my Redeemer. 
Before half the congregation had passed round the house, 
there was a perfect "blockade" in front of the altar, and 
the procession was brought to a halt. The glory of God 
filled the temple, and some sinners dated their awakening 
from that hour. 

It was near the hour of twelve o'clock before all the 
gongregation had left the house. Some were so filled 
with the Spirit that they praised God aloud in the streets 
as they returned to their homes. I was greatly attached 
to the members of the Church on this circuit. I am 
happy now in the reflection that, in turn, they loved me 
much for "Christ's sake," and, no doubt, still pray for 
my prosperity. At the close of this year, the total num 



188 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

ber of members on White Oak circuit amounted to one 
thousand, one hundred and ninety. 

During that year I bad a pleasant place of ^^rest'^ in 
the kind family of the Rev. John W. Clarke, near the 
town of Bethel, Ohio. The Lord bless him and his 
lovely family, for their kindness to the young itinerant ! 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

WEST CHESTER CIRCTJIT IN 1837. 

At the close of my labors on White Oak circuit I 
went to conference at Xenia, Ohio. On my way I en- 
joyed myself very much. For several days I was in 
company with two noble-hearted brethren, and we 
preached, exhorted, and sang the songs of Zion as we 
journeyed along the highways. This beguiled the te- 
diousness of the journey and improved our gifts and 
graces also. This was the first conference that I at- 
tended. All the deliberations and religious exercises 
made a deep impression on my mind. At that confer- 
ence I met with the late F. A. Dighton, who was then 
agent for the American Bible Society. I never shall 
forget his sermon and his speech at the anniversary of 
our Missionary Society. My feelings were so excited 
that I gave away nearly all the money I had. But I 
must here record the singular fact, that before I com- 
pleted my first round on the circuit to which I was 
appointed, I received it back with good interest. This 
was a great blessing to my soul, I there learned the 
glorious and ennobling truth that ^^it is more blessed to 
give than receive." I was appointed at that conference 
to West Chester circuit, a most fertile and beautiful 
district of country, lying between the Little and Great 



WEST CHESTER CIRCUIT. 189 

Miami rivers; beginning at Montgomery, within five 
miles of Milford, and extending over to the Grreat Miami, 
at Hamilton, in Butler county. One of my appoint- 
ments was within eight miles of Cincinnati. This was 
a region of country I had never visited; and when I left 
home to go to my work, ^'I went out not knowing whither 
I went." But I shall never forget the day I arrived in 
Milford at the house of Rev. William B. Christie, who 
was still presiding elder of the district. I remained 
with him till about four o'clock in the afternoon. Be- 
fore I started we walked out on the bank of the river. 
I looked over to the other side and wept like a child, and 
said, '^0, how can I cross this river and go again among 
strangers to commence the labors of another itinerant 
year?" Brother C. put his arm kindly around me and 
pressed me near his heart with all the tender- 
ness of a father, and spoke words of comfort to my 
desponding soul, and said, " ' Go through the land in the 
length and breadth of it, and as ye go, preach.' Be not 
afraid of the face of clay. The Lord Grod of Jacob will 
go with you and give you greater success this year than 
formerly." We went into the house and prayed together, 
and I took my departure. I was deeply engaged in 
prayer all the evening, and as I came in sight of Mont- 
gomery I lifted my hat and prayed to the God of bat- 
tles to give me every unconverted soul in the place. It 
was late on Saturday evening when I arrived at the 
house of my good brother D. N., who was one of the 
stewards of the circuit and leader of the small class in 
that town. He informed me that I was to preach the 
next day, not, however, in that place, but at Sharon. 
Early in the morning I started for my appointment. 
My heart was sad at the thought of beginning another 
year's toil — to endure the same conflicts through which 
T had passed during the last twelve months. There was 



190 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

one thing that pressed heavily upon my mind — I was 
often tempted to doubt whether it was my duty to travel 
and preach. This brought darkness upon my mind, 
and I did not enjoy my own preaching. Sometimes for 
weeks I would labor under a cloud of this kind, which 
made me feel very unhappy. I was not satisfied tc 
see others feasting on the Gospel which I preached: 
while during its delivery I had not much comfort in my 
own soul. I was all the time " like a cart pressed with 
sheaves." I realized every moment of my waking hours 
the fullest meaning of these words, The zeal of thine 
house hath eaten me up.'' I had no rest either in 
mind or body, I was so anxious to see sinners converted 
to Grod. I had oftentimes asked the Lord to give 
me a token or a sign that he would stand up with me 
and make known the saving efficacy of the Gospel. 
This morning I resolved to settle this matter before I 
went to another appointment; like Gideon I desired 
yet another sign. ^^And Gideon said unto God, If thou 
wilt save Israel by mine hand, behold I will put a fleece 
of wool on the floor, and if the dew be on the fleece 
only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall 
I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou 
hast said. And it was so; for he rose early on the 
morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the 
dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. And Gideon 
said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, 
and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray 
thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry 
only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there 
be dew. And God did so that night; for it was dry 
upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the 
ground." Judges vi, 36-40. So I said to the Al- 
mighty, "^I will speak but this once: let me prove, 1 
pray thee.' Give me another sign." 



WEST CHESTER CIRCUIT. 191 

I rode into the town of Sharon before nine o'clock, 
and was informed that my first appointment was at 
Union Chapelj some nine miles distant. I found I could 
not reach it in time, and the brethren urged me to re- 
main there and preach at eleven o'clock, A. M. I finally 
concluded to do so. I then retired alone into the grave- 
yard and kneeled down among the tombs, where no eye 
but God could see me. never shall I forget the 
anguish of that hour. My soul was troubled, and I 
resolved never to leave the spot till I heard the inward 
whispers of the Spirit giving me the assurance that 
my prayers were accepted and that it should be even 
as I desired. I moreover promised the Lord if he 
would grant me this favor, I would never ask for any 
other signs except "living epistles, read and known of 
all m^en," as the seals of my apostleship. I then asked 
the Lord to give me to feel the delightful influence of 
the "Comforter" in my own poor soul while proclaim- 
ing the G-ospel to my dying fellow-men; and, if it was 
my duty to travel on that circuit and preach his truth, 
"to make my great commission known" that day by 
not only awakening sinners, but also filling my own soul 
with the joys of his salvation, while proclaiming it 
to others, in such a measure as I had never experienced 
before. 

While thus "agonizing" in prayer, on a sudden a 
sweet calm came over my spirit, and my heart melted 
into tenderness before the Lord. The heavens were 
opened, and I had by faith bright visions of the glory 
of God. I was only aroused from my reverie by the 
ringing of the bell for public service. I then arose 
from my knees and went into the church, and com- 
menced the services by singing and prayer. I then 
announced a text from which I had never spoken before — 
1 Corinthians ii, 1, 2 — "And I, brethren, when I came 



192 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wis- 
dom, declaring unto you the testimony of Grod; for I 
determined not to know any thing among you save J esus 
Christ and him crucified/' The theme of my discourse 
was Christ crucified, and my determination not to know 
any thing else among them. The Holy Grhost laid boun- 
tifully to my hand. My tongue was like the "pen of a 
ready writer and when about half way through my 
sermon, I felt the warming rays of the Sun of right- 
eousness shining directly into my heart, and before I 
had ceased speaking I was so filled with the love of 
Grod that I clapped my hands and shouted aloud for joy. 
Sinners began to weep and cry for mercy; saints shouted 
for joy, also. I then closed by opening the doors of 
the Church. Six or seven joined, and among the num- 
ber a young man of the name of S&muel Riker, who 
was soon afterward converted, and is now a traveling 
preacher in the Ohio conference. I felt that day that 
I had gained a most signal victory, and I then resolved 
to gird on the armor afresh, and to make "full proof 
of my ministry" among that people. On my way to 
my appointment in the afternoon Satan thrust sorely 
at me, and suggested to my mind that I should soon get 
into darkness again upon the same subject, but I in- 
stantly "resisted him," and he left me in the quiet 
possession of the field of victory. At my afternoon ap- 
pointment in the town of P., I even felt better than I 
did in the morning, and seldom preached with a barren 
soul during the whole of that year. This was a year 
of peculiar trial, and twice I was brought down almost 
to the brink of the grave. My colleague, Eev. J. J. 
Hill, was a holy man, and the work of the Lord spread 
all over che circuit. I concluded to make my home at 
Montgomery. Here Satan had his seat. At this time 
the Presbyterians had the only church in the village. 



REVIVAL AT MONTGOMERY. 



193 



The Methodists were feeble, and held their worship in 
the old academy. The large majority of the member- 
ship resided in the vicinity, but some of them several 
miles distant. 



CHAPTER XXYIII. 

REVIVAL AT MONTGOMERY. 

In the town of Montgomery I found an open door/' 
but we had ^^many adversaries.'' At my second appoint- 
ment in that place, after trying to preach, I felt deeply 
impressed that I ought to invite persons to join the 
Church.. Although the word preached seemed to pro- 
duce very little effect upon the audience, I urged upon 
all present the necessity of coming out from the world, 
and making a public profession of Christ. While we 
were engaged in singing the first hymn at the close of 
the sermon, a young lady came forward, and presented 
her application. I felt much encouraged, and made a 
few remarks; and, while singing another verse, a young 
man came forward and gave me his hand. This, I dis- 
covered, produced a great sensation in the assembly. I 
could then discern the" hand of Grod outstretched to 
save, and again urged others to come to Christ; and, 
while singing a few verses more, a married lady came 
forward, and presented her application also. By this 
time the excitement became very general, and the ma- 
jority of all present were bathed in tears. I exhorted 
again, and, while singing the closing hymn, an aged gen- 
tleman came up weeping, and gave me his hand, and 
said, "I will go also; these are all my children !" At 
the close of the service, I learned that it was a father, 



194 FOOT-PRIXTS or AN ITINERANT. 

son, and two daugliters wlio had so unexpectedly sought 
a refage in the house of the Lord that night. This 
was the beginning of a most gracious reviyal. The fam- 
ily were very respectable, and exerted a powerful influ- 
ence over those with whom they daily associated. It 
was only a few weeks after they had joined the society, 
till they were all soundly converted. They soon began 
to publish, among their unconverted relatives and neigh- 
bors, the wonderful love of the Savior to their poor souls. 
This became the general topic of conversation in the 
stores and shops in the village — some marveling, and 
others persecuting and even cursing the Church and the 
stranger who had settled there to preach the Gospel and 
defend the doctrines of Wesley and Fletcher. I ap- 
pointed a prayer meeting at my boarding-house, during 
the week, at which I related my own conversion, and 
exhorted the young people all to follow the example of 
the K. family, and join the Church. It was not long 
before many began to inquire, in secret, " What must I 
do to be saved?" Their number increased every week, 
and at last they commenced, in a more public manner, 
to show that they ^'sorrowed after a godly sort.'' 

As the old year was closing, I appointed a protracted 
meeting, which was owned of God in the conversion of 
many souls. As the new year opened upon us, God 
lifted up the light of his countenance upon his little 
Church in M. The work broke out afresh, and the whole 
community was shaken by the mighty power of the God 
of the armies of Israel. In less than six weeks nearly 
one hundred were added to the Church, and more than 
that number converted to God. This work was violently 
opposed. Persecution waxed hotter as the work of God 
advanced. Every stratagem that hellish malignity could 
devise was at length resorted to. The young converts 
were ridiculed in public and private circles, but they 



REVIVAL AT MONTGOMERY. 195 

were ^^in nothing terrified by their adversaries.'^ at 
length, became the ^^song of the drunkard/' and almost 
every night some ^Hewd fellows, of the baser sort/' 
would follow me to my boarding-house, and stop on the 
pavement opposite my room, and sing over all our revi- 
val songs," and then dance, curse, and swear, and give 
three hurrahs" for the young Methodist preacher; 
and then all would say ^^Amen!" and depart for their 
respective homes. I never upbraided them either in 
public or private. I remembered the words of my 
blessed Redeemer, Blessed are ye when men shall 
revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil 
of you falsely, for my sake : rejoice and be exceeding 
glad, for so persecuted they the prophets which were 
before you." While they were nightly engaged in 
"scorning," I would kneel down and pray to Grod to 
have mercy upon them, and, before the close of that 
revival meeting, to make them the trophies of his re- 
deeming mercy. 

It was not long after this till one of their number was 
awakened, and called upon me for a note of admission 
into love-feast. I most cordially granted him his re- 
quest. The same day, as he afterward informed me, he 
received a ticket to a ball, which was to "come off" at 
the same time in that vicinity. This was a device of 
the emissaries of Satan to destroy his soul. They well 
understood his passion for this kind of amusement, and 
predicted that he would soon give up all his seriousness, 
and that night would be found among his old companions 
in the merry dance. His soul, during all that day, was 
a mighty battle-field. The "strong man armed" was 
unwilling to quit his abode. He informed me that more 
than twenty times, during the day, he took out his 
"card of invitation" to the party, and his "love-feast 
ticket/' and placed them side by side, and read them over 



196 rOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

and over again. When he read; Admit the bearer, J 
W., to love-feast; January, 1838/' he would say to him- 
self — as he told me, with tears — ^^I have had many a 
ticket to attend dancing-parties, but this is the first note 
I have ever had to go to a Methodist love-feast." The 
devil and his young companions still urged him to accept 
the former, and had so far prevailed as to get him to 
dress for the dancing-party; but, at length, he came to 
the conclusion to go to the love-feast first, and, after 
the close of the meeting, to attend the "ball," if he 
felt like it; but before the close of the love-feast meet- 
ing, with a broken heart, he joined the Church, and 
before twelve o'clock, that same night, in my boarding- 
house, after the close of the public service, was soundly 
converted. This was a source of great grief among the 
enemies of the cross. The young men had now lost 
their leader, and the band of ^^scorners" were suddenly 
disbanded. But the meeting went on with power, and 
souls were added to the Church almost every day. Per- 
secution raged at difi"erent points on the circuit, and at 
several places my colleague had the disturbers of our con- 
gregations arraigned before the civil magistrate, and 
fined for " disorderly conduct but this process was not 
attended with any beneficial results. 

Notwithstanding the continued opposition of our en- 
emies, the word of the Lord grew and mightily prevailed. 
At what was called the Company Mills, on the Little 
Miami, many souls were powerfully awakened and con- 
verted to Grod at one of our protracted meetings. Dur- 
ing the progress of this meeting, two gentlemen, living 
in that region, were both awakened to a sense of their 
lost estate. For a number of years past they had been 
at enmity. Now both of them felt the need of forgive- 
ness, and were willing to be reconciled to each other; 
but pride^ that fearful enemy, kept either from making 



REVIVAL AT MONTGOMERY. 197 



the first advance till near tlie close of our meeting. At 
last the one who had offended the most grievously, rose 
up in the public congregation, and said, ^'It is well 

known in the neighborhood that Mr, and myself 

have been at enmity for a number of years. I now rise 
up here to confess to my fault, and ask his forgiveness 
for any and all the injuries that I have done him; and I 
also ask him if he is willing to be reconciled, to meet me 
in the middle aisle of the church." In a moment his 
neighbor sprang to his feet, and said, " I am more than 
willing and started toward the aisle. They soon met, 
and embraced each other cordially. It was one of the 
most deeply-affecting scenes that I ever witnessed. They 
wept aloud, and the congregation wept also, and many of 
the people of God shouted aloud for joy. They were 
both converted, and joined the Church. One of them 
died, not long afterward, in the full assurance of a happy 
immortality. 

During that summer, we resolved to build a new 
church in the town of Montgomery. It was with great 
difficulty that I obtained the amount requisite ; but 
mighty prayer, faith, and perseverance can accomplish 
wonders. A lot was procured, and the building put 
under contract before I left the circuit. The house was 
neatly finished, and dedicated the next spring. I had 
the pleasure of preaching the first sermon in it after it 
was completed. We closed our labors on the circuit with 
& membership of six hundred and twenty-two. 



198 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE merchant's DAUGHTER. 

Among the first fruits of my ministry at M., was a 
young lady; the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Soon 
after I commenced my labors in that place I appointed a 
prayer meeting for TVednesday evening, at my boarding- 
house. I first noticed her at the close of one of those 
meetings, apparently much concerned in regard to spirit- 
ual and divine things. In the early part of the winter 
we held a protracted meeting. I gave public notice that 
we would hold a love-feast meeting on Sabbath, and that 
all who, though not members of our Church, desired to 
^■flee from the wrath to come," must come to my lodgings 
and procure, if they wished to attend the love-feast, what 
is usually denominated a ^^note of admission.'' Among 
the number who applied was Miss Mary . 

At the close of the love-feast on Sabbath morning, I 
discovered that she was deeply affected by the exercises; 
and during the singing of the last hymn, I went to 
her and thus accosted her: ^'3Iary, do you not feel your 
need of an interest in Christ?" ^'I do," was her prompt 
repl}^ ^"'Do you not feel like seeking religion now?" 
She replied in the affirmative, with deep emotion. I then 
asked her if she did not think it would be better for her 
to unite with the Church, and she answered, " Yes, sir, 1 
know it would." Having learned, a short time previous, 
that her father was opposed to any of his family joining 
any Church, and especially the Methodists, I asked her 
this question : 3Iary, do you think your father would 
oppose you?" To which she replied, weeping bitterly, 
"Yes, sir, I know he would." I then said to her, "I can 
hardly persuade myself to believe that he would oppose. 



THE merchant's DAUGHTER. 199 

you in doing right/' and returned to the stand and closed 
the meeting. Not long after this some one informed her 
father that she was at the love-feast, and that I had 
spoken to her about joining the Church. He became 
very angry, and the first opportunity called his daughter 
into a private room and demanded of her a correct state- 
ment in regard to the whole matter. This she gave with 
her usual candor, and without the least hesitancy. He 
then requested her to repeat to him all that I said to her 
in the love-feast. This she also did with great accuracy. 
He then enjoined it upon her never to speak with me 
again upon any subject, and also forbade her ever going 
to the Methodist Church again while she was under 
parental authority. This, to heik, was a very great trial. 
She felt her need of salvation, and loved our doctrines 
and usages better than those of any other denomination. 
She was often heard to say that she would give a handful 
of pure gold for the privilege of going to our Church 
again to hear the Gospel proclaimed. 

At the close of this interesting meeting I left home to 
fill my regular appointments on the other part of the cir- 
cuit. I think I was only absent at this time for about 
two weeks. On my return home I was surprised to learn 
that soon after my departure the whole village was thrown 

into a state of excitement by the conduct of Mr. , 

the father of the young lady with whom I had held the 
conversation in love-feast. In public and private he had 
threatened to whip me as soon as I returned home, assign- 
ing as the reason, that I had the impudence to talk to his 
daughter on the subject of religion in the public congre- 
gation without an introduction. Every one that met me 
told the same story, and many advised me to keep out 
of his way till his passion should subside a little. I 
assured them that they need not be alarmed ; that I was 
not afraid of him when walking in the path of duty. Up 



200 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



to this period I had never spoken to Mr. , although 

I had purchased goods at his store. Two or three days 
after my return home, I told brother N., with whom I 
boarded, that I wanted some letter paper, and thought I 

would go and purchase it at the store of Mr. . He 

advised me not to go there, and said, ^^it would look like 
inviting an attack." I replied, that I had two appoint- 
ments to fill the next Sabbath, and if I was to have a 
whipping I would prefer to have it in the early part of 
the week, so that I would get over the soreness before 
Sabbath. This seemed to amuse him very much, but he 
persisted in urging me not to go to his store again. I 
replied, with firmness, that, by the grace of Grod, I had 
resolved to turn neither to the right hand nor to the left, 
but would continue to do as heretofore, unless prohibited 
by those concerned in the store. I then put on my hat 
and started down street. I was very soon "the observed 
of all observers," and several followed me at a distance, 
to see that I was not insulted, or injured in my person. 
I entered the store and asked the clerk for some letter 
paper, which he folded up and handed me; and after I 
had paid for it I stood at the counter for a few minutes, 

and then started out. Mr. , who was seated in a 

chair, on the outside of the counter, conversing with some 
gentleman, rose up hastily and followed me. As I stepped 
out on the steps he accosted me as follows, in a very 
abrupt manner: "Are you Mr. Gladdis?" I replied, 
"That is my name, sir." "Well, sir, I have long wanted 
to have a conversation with you, for I consider you a very 
dangerous man." At this declaration I laughed heartily, 
and replied, "Well, sir, proceed. I am here now, and can 
answer for myself." He became very pale, and began to 
tremble all over, and again repeated the assertion with 
emphasis — I consider you a very- dangerous man!" 1 
then asked him for his reasons for thinking so. He 



THE merchant's DAUGHTER. 



201 



replied, ^^You teach very dangerous doctrines, sir/' I 
replied promptly, ^^Name them, if you please/^ He an- 
swered, with great emotion, " Sir, you teach that children 
should disobey their parents/' I replied, "I deny it, and 
call upon you for the proof of your unfounded assertion, 
that, either in public or private, I have taught children to 
disregard parental authority." He then rehearsed all the 
conversation which passed between his daughter and my- 
self in the love-feast, with this addition — '^Join the 
Church any how, and I will bear you out in all the conse- 
quences resulting from disobeying your father." I then 
stated, so that all present could hear me, that I had 
never used such language, and felt confident that if his 
daughter was present, she would assert my innocence, and 
insisted on having her called into the store. This, how- 
ever, he refused to do. I then told him plainly, never to 
make such a charge again in my presence, or I would hold 
him accountable for slander. He then remarked, that 
perhaps it was the Rev. Mr. C. who had given her such 
bad advice, and then said, ^^But, sir, I still regard you as 
a very dangerous man ; you are a disturber of the peace, 
and a setter-forth of strange doctrines. You have scared 
many of the young people by saying things which are not 
in the Bible." I replied, ^^Did you ever hear any one 
preach who did not use some things not recorded in 
the Bible? How do you know what I preach — -you 
never come to hear me ? But I will now tell you plainly, 
what you may expect in the future — that if preaching 
'Christ and him crucified' disturbs the peace of society 
in this town, I expect to continue this disturbance as long 
as I remain among you; and as to 'scaring people,' I 
would to Grod I could alarm every man's conscience so as 
to induce all to forsake their sins." ''Well, sir," contin- 
ued Mr. , "why do you shout and make such a noise 

in your meetings here? I know the Methodists do not 



202 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



behave so disorderly in other places." To this I replied, 
Methodism is the same all the world over, and I want 
you to know this is a free country, and that I will shout 
and praise Grod whenever I feel like it, whether you are 
pleased or displeased; and besides, every man is left to 
serve Grod according to the dictates of his conscience, 
provided he does not in so doing interfere with the rights 
of others/' At this declaration he trembled somewhat 
after the manner of one of the old kings, till his knees 
smote together. But recovering himself a little, he in- 
quired next, ^^Why, sir, did you dare to address my 
daughter upon the subject of religion without a previous 
introduction to her?" I answered, "Simply because your 
daughter introduced herself to me first as a sincere 
penitent, I trust." Where did she first speak to 
you?" I replied, "When she came, in company with 
several other young ladies, to obtain a ^note of admis- 
sion' into love-feast." Mr. added, "I want you 

to know, sir, that I have taken great pains in the edu- 
cation of my daughter, and that she is possessed of a 
fine intellect, and I do not intend to have her mind 
injured by becoming religious or a member of any 
Church." My answer was in substance as follows: "Re- 
ligion does not weaken, but develop and strengthen the 
intellect and all the powers of the soul, and that it 
would strengthen her mind and his, too, to become 
truly pious." "But did I not tell you," said he, "that 
you must let me and my family alone?" "To be sure 
you did, but then you must remember that I will reply 
to all that you have to say against the religion of my 
blessed Savior; and if you do not like my replies you 
had better not ask me any more questions." He 
then turned round and went through the store into the 
house, apparently in a great rage, to the amusement 
of all the bystanders, many of whom were intelligent 



THE merchant's DAUGHTER. 203 



I men. How true it is tliat God can cause even tlie 
wrath of man to praise him^ wliile tlie remainder of 
wrath is restrained! '^And who is he that will harm 
you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and 
if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye : and 
be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but 
sanctify the Lord Grod in your hearts : and be ready always 
to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason 
of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear/' 

The next day he reported through the village, the 
reason why he did not give me the promised whip- 
ping" was that I ^'begged for mercy/' Poor fellow! 
ne could get none to believe him, not only because the 
report was false, but credible witnesses, who heard all that 
had passed had already given a correct version of the affair. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

THE merchant's DAUGHTER — CONTINUED. 

In the early part of the revival a young man by the 
name of R. had united with our Church, who was a great 
favorite of the gentleman who was so much incensed at 
his youthful daughter for desiring to become a Chris- 
tian. On one occasion he took the opportunity of saying 
to my young friend, "Well, R., you know I always 
liked you, and intended to assist you in business, but 
now you have made such a fool of yourself in becoming 
a Methodist, that I will never do any thing for you 
unless you leave the Methodist Church. I want you 
also to discontinue your visits to my store and house 

both." To this unexpected attack Mr. replied in 

the true spirit of a Christian, that while he regretted 
to lose his friendship, he loved the favor and friendship of 



204 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Grod more ; like one of old^ choosing rather to suf- 
fer affliction with the people Grod than to enjoy the 
pleasures of sin for a season; having respect unto the 
recompense of the reward.'^ But perhaps the reader is 
ready to ask, what has the history of this young man to do 
with this interesting narrative ? I answer, " Much every 
way, as you will learn from the sequel of the story." 
At the time this young man joined the Church the 

daughter of Mr. was present, and determined to 

be a Christian also. The persecution of her father toward 
this young man increased her admiration of his moral 
character and worth every day. It was not long till a 
mutual attachment sprang up between them. This was 
soon discovered by the father, who forbade any inter- 
course unless Mr. would agree to leave the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. This he promptly refused to 
do ; in consequence of which refusal, he was not allowed 
to visit her father's house or speak with her upon the 
street. This only served to fan the flame of love that 
now existed in each bosom. M. was the idol of her 
father, the eldest daughter, and one that he loved more 
dearly than all the rest. She was a young lady of high 
moral worth, and a great favorite among all who knew 
her. Her father was about to go east for the purchase 
of a new stock of goods. He invited his daughter to 
go along. The trip was pleasant, and he treated her 
with a degree of kindness which she had never ex- 
perienced before. He never mentioned the name of 
her lover but once during their absence, and then in 
rather a jocular way, on presenting her with a new 
book. However, when almost in sight of her home, 
again he introduced the subject so far as to ascertain 

that her feelings were still unchanged toward Mr. . 

From that hour he treated her with great unkindness 
It was not long after her return home before Mr. 



THE merchant's DAUGHTER. 



205 



asked the consent of her father to their marriage. He 
was met with, a stern refusal. The young man then 
reminded him of a conversation he had once held with 
him on the subject of matrimony; during which he 

had said, ^^Mr. , if you ever take a notion to marry 

a young lady^ and her father refuses to give his consent, 

HAVE HER OR DIE IN THE ATTEMPT!" "NoW, sir, I am 

determined to take your advice, and marry your daughter 
at all hazards I" Here the conversation ended, and they 
parted. The young lady was watched with continual 
vigilance by her father, lest she might in some way 
carry on a correspondence with her accepted lover. But 
his efforts were unavailing. About this time a mute 
came to reside in the town of M., and it was not long 
before the most of the young gentlemen and ladies had 
learned the " deaf and dumb alphabet," so that they 
could converse intelligibly with signs. About this time 
our young friend accepted a clerkship in a store situated 
at right angles across the street from the residence of 

Mr. . By the aid of the ^^deaf and dumb alphabet '' 

our young friends, Miss and Mr. , held daily 

communication without even the slightest suspicion on 
the part of her sharp-sighted father. They also kept 
up a regular correspondence, and she often delivered 
her letters to him in the street in sight of her father, 
without the knowledge of any one. They had fixed 
upon a sign, which was given in the following manner : 
when about to pass each other on the side-walk, if she 
had a letter for him, when within about a half a square, 
she would place her right hand upon her bosom; he 
would then take off his hat and carry it carelessly in 
his hand, swinging it back and forward at his side till 
they would draw very near to each other, and then she 
would drop the letter in his hat while in the act of 
passing on the side-walk, without speaking a word or 



206 



FOOT-PRIXTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



even halting for a moment. Her father took out of her 
room her fine traveling-trunk, and placed in its stead an 
old hair trunk from the store-room, without lock or key 
upon it. He would not allow her even to keep a sheet of 
paper, pen, or ink, or to have a lighted candle in her bed- 
chamber after dark. Most of her letters were written 
by moonlight, after the family had all retired to rest. 
Another expedient was adopted for conveying her letters 
to him. She would sit at her window up stairs with 
her letter in her hand late in the evening when but few 
were walking the streets. She would recognize the ap- 
proach of her devoted by his being seized with a pe- 
culiar fit of coughing just before he came near her father's 
dwelling. She would then place her hand outside of 
the window up stairs and wait till he would stop on the 
pavement below where she would drop the letter just be- 
fore him on the side-walk, where he could readily pick it 
up without halting but a moment. She artfully con- 
cealed his letters about her person so that they were 
never discovered by any of the family. Heretofore she 
had been in the habit of assisting her father in the 
store, but he now prohibited hej- even from visiting the 
store-room, and refused to give her any more new cloth- 
ing. She then sent her best clothes to the house of a 
friend, who conveyed them in safety to her affianced lover. 
He made a fine bureau and placed them in it, which 
article of furniture they still retain in their own family 
to the present day. I was removed to a city station the 
next year, and did not hear from them for a long time. 

At length brother called on me to inform me that, 

as it was nearly twelve months yet before Miss was 

of age, they had concluded to '^run away and get 
married as soon as possible." ^Ve talked over the 
matter, and finally I persuaded him to desist from such 
an unpleasant undertaking, and to wait till she was of 



THE merchant's DAUGHTER. 207 

age. Shortly after this Mr. — discovered the intentions 
of his daughter more fully, and called her into the room 
one day and asked her if it was true that she intended 
to marry Mr. as soon as she was of age? She re- 
plied, Yes, father, I do.'' He then became dreadfully 
enraged, and said, with a voice and manner that almost 
frightened her out of her senses for a moment, M., 
if it was not for the laws of my country I would shoot 
you dead at my feet." Time rolled rapidly away, and 
nothing occurred to alter her mind in the least. She 
was well persuaded that the opposition of her father 

arose from the simple fact that Mr. had joined the 

Methodist Episcopal Church, and was now appointed a 
class-leader. This made her love him the more; and she 
prayed to Grod day and night that he would make her a 
partaker of ^^like precious faith" with him whom she now 
so dearly loved. 

About two weeks previous to the time that her father 
thought her of age he said to her, "If you are going 

to marry Mr. , do not run away, but marry him at 

home, and then leave my house forever. And after 
your marriage you must never cross my threshold, even 
in a time of sickness or death! Do you understand 
what I say?" She meekly replied, " Yes, father , I know 
it all" 

He then brought down the old hair trunk, and told 
her to pack up her clothes, which she did in the presence 
of her father, mother, and sisters. And as she told 
me, when they were all in, "they resembled the wardrobe 
of a pauper" more than the daughter of a wealthy 
merchant. In the evening her little sister clung to her 
with an affectionate tenderness that almost broke he^ 
heart. The next day she left home to make arrange- 
ments for her wedding. On her return her father never 
invi+ed her to eat, but would call all the rest of his 



208 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

children by name to come to the table. For one whole 
day she did not taste food. And; to cap the climax of 
his cruelty, a few days before he thought her of age he 
ordered her away, and in the most abrupt and repulsive 
manner. She then went to her aunt's to make arrange- 
ments for her wedding, which took place soon after she be- 
came of age. Her father destroyed the old family record, 
and entered all the rest of the names of his children 
in a new place, omitting the name of his beloved and 
eldest child M.; and it is said, when asked how many 
children he had living, always refused to reckon her 
among the number of the household. 

Grod smiled upon her marriage union, and her husband 
was prospered in his business. They commenced keeping 
house within about a half square from the residence of 
her persecuting father, where she could see him passing 
her door almost every hour of the day. I must now 
take leave of them just at this point in their history, to 
present the reader with another side of this picture. 

From the time I began my ministry in the town of 
M., this man, who was so unkind to his daughter, did 
all that he could do to oppose the progress of the Gos- 
pel. I told him on one occasion I was afraid the judg- 
ments of the Almighty would overtake him unless he 
repented and ceased to oppose the truth. And after 
his last act of unnatural treatment of a lovely daughter, 
we may date his decline in worldly prosperity. Here- 
tofore every thing prospered in his hands, but now loss 
succeeded loss, and disappointment followed disappoint- 
ment till he was compelled to acknowledge that the hand 
of God was chastising him. 

How mysterious are the ways of Providence 1 how 
often had I piiyed to God to bring his child into the 
Church of her choice! But I little expected to have 
that pleasure myself A few months after her marriage 



THE merchant's DAUGHTER. 209 

she attended a camp meeting near the city of , 

where I was then stationed. I did not know she was 
there. At the close of an interesting sermon I exhorted, 
and then opened the doors of the Church. Many joined, 
and among the number that attracted the attention of 
the audience was Mrs. R. She came forward and gave 
her hand, and then fell down upon her knees and wept 
aloud. In a short time a gentleman from M. approached 
me and inquired if I recognized the one who came 
forward last. I told him I did not. "That,'' said he, 
"is Mrs. R-, formerly Miss S., who, years ago, was awak- 
ened under your ministry, but forbidden by her father 
to go any longer to the Methodist Episcopal church.'' 
My feelings were indescribable, and I shouted aloud for 
joy, and gave the congregation a short history of the 
trials through which she had passed before she was 
privileged to enter the Church of Grod. From that hour 
she was truly decided in her Christian course. She 
returned to her home of love, and almost for a season 
forgot the sufferings and cruelties of her father previous 
to her marriage. 

In about twelve months she gave birth to a beautiful 
daughter, which was greatly beloved by all of her con- 
nections. The little prattler was taught the name of its 
grandfather, and when old enough to walk the streets 
would run against him and call his name. For a long 
time he repulsed it with great coldness. But at length 
his iron nature yielded, and when unobserved by his 
daughter he would pick up the child and caress her fondly. 
But this sweet bud of promise was taken suddenly ill, 
and died. Before its death the grandparents were sent 
for to see it die. The grandmother came, but Mr. — 
refused to attend its funeral. His cold-hearted nature 
would not yield; and when the child was buried he 
brought down upon him the maledictions of the whole 



210 



eoot-prints of an itinerant. 



community. The deatli of this child occurred a short 

time before Mr. — moved to the city of . While 

the heart of his daughter was bleeding on the account 
of the death of her first-born, some of her friends 
advised her to go over and see him before his romoval. 
She finally yielded to their importunities against her 
better judgment, and went to see him. She was near 
him before he observed her presence. She laid her 
hand upon his arm and exclaimed, '^Father ! 0, father ! 
father!" She could add no more. He rudely thrust her 
away with his elbow, and refused to speak or even pro- 
nounce her name. She returned to her desolate home 
with a heart bleeding afresh at every pore; but Grod 
healed her wounded heart, and caused her spirit to re- 
joice because of his goodness. Time rolled rapidly 
away, and for seven long years she was not in her 
father's house. Her mother was taken ill, and died. 
She desired to see her daughter, Mrs. R. As soon as 
her daughter received the sad news she started for the 
city to see her mother die. When she arrived at the 
residence of her father, she refused to go in unless 
he would invite her, as he had positively forb'idden 
her entrance even in a time of sickness or death. The 
messenger returned with this answer, Tell her to come 
in if she wants to.'' She entered the dying chamber 
of her mother a few minutes before she expired. Her 
father on seeing her said, ^^0, Mary! Mary!" This was 
the last time he ever was heard to pronounce her name. 
He has never spoken to her from that time up to this 
day, for no other offense than that of marrying a relig 
ious man. 



A DEBATE ON U N I V E R S A L I S M . 



211 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

A DEBATE ON UNIVERSALISM. 

In 1838 Eev. Robert Smithy a Universalist preacher, 
living in Mason, Warren county, Ohio, preached every 
four weeks in the town of New Richmond, Clermont 
county, Ohio. He frequently, at the close of his ser- 
mons, challenged any orthodox minister to meet him in 
debate. Finally, Rev. Mr. Atmore, of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, residing within about three miles of 
that place, accepted the challenge. Mr. Atmore was a 
high-toned Englishman, a good preacher, and had only 
been about twelve months in America. The prelimina- 
ries were all arranged, and the parties met, on the first 
Monday of April, in the town of New Richmond, on 
the Ohio river. The debate commenced at 11 o'clock, 
A. M. Mr. Atmore opened the discussion, and Mr. 
Smith followed ; but before they had proceeded far, Mr. 
Atmore became disgusted at the personalities of his 
opponent, and especially with the irreverent manner in 
which he handled the Scriptures. He remarked in 
substance as follows : 

My Audience, — In accepting a challenge from Mr. 
Smith, I, of course, supposed that he was a courteous 
debater, and would demean himself with gentlemanly 
bearing toward his antagonist; but I am sorry to say, 
I am greatly disappointed in this respect, and self- 
respect compels me not to prolong a debate with so 
irreverent and discourteous an antagonist. 

On closing these remarks, he bowed himself politely 
uut of the pulpit, picked up his hat, and took his de- 
parture for home. Mr. Smith construed Mr. Atmore's 
conduct into the weakness, of his cause, and the want 



212 rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



of ability to sustain himself in the debate. The meet- 
ing was adjourned till some time in the afternoon. Mr. 
David Fisher; a layman of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church; who resided nine miles above Xew Richmond, 
came down to attend the debate. On entering the 
church; at three o'clock; P. M.; Mr. Smith was speaking. 
He soon afterward remarked that; as Mr. Atmore de- 
clined to discuss the subject any longer, he should pro- 
ceed to give his own views at length. After speaking 
for nearly an hour; a Universalist gentleman went into 
the pulpit; and whispered something in the ear of the 
speaker. Mr. Smith soon stopped for a moment, and 
remarked that he was informed that there was a Meth- 
odist minister present; who would, probably; take Mr. 
Atmore's place, and go on with the discussion. No one 
replied. This friend of Mr. Smith's went, into the pul- 
pit, and spoke to him again. Mr. Smith then remarked 
that he alluded to Mr. Fisher. Mr. Fisher then arose, 
and remarked that he was not a minister, and, conse- 
quently, did not suppose that the allusion was to him ; 
he was a layman of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and came down there, as a high private, to hear, and 
not to take any part in the discussion. He also stated 
that he was entirely unprepared; that he had no refer- 
ence-books, not even his Bible. Mr. Smith had, no 
doubt, been a long time preparing for this debate, and 
it would not be doing justice to the cause or to himself, 
to enter upon this debate now; but if Mr. Smith desired 
it, he would reply, in one speech, to all he had just said, 
and would be happy to meet Mr. Smith in debate at 
some future time. To this Mr. Smith cordially assented, 
and the arrangements were soon completed. Mr. Smith 
then asked his opponent when he would be ready. Mr. 
Fisher replied, "I am a farmer, and must plant my corn, 
aft€r which I care not how soon the time is fixed ; I will 



A DEBATE ON UNIVERSALIS M. 



213 



try and be ready." Mr. Smitli replied, -^Give yourself 
time, Mr. Fisher; get your work out of the way, for I 
do not know how long I will keep you here after we 
commence; for I am determined to have my full satis- 
faction out of ortJiodoxy before we part.'' Mr. Fisher 
good-humoredly replied to this braggadocio speech, ^^I 
only desire time, Mr. Smith, to plant my corn; I suppose 
you will let me return home to cut my wheat harvest, 
will you not V 

The time finally agreed upon was the second Monday 
in May. As the Kev. R. Smith lived in the bounds of 
my circuit at the time, I made my arrangements to at- 
tend this debate. It was published far and near, all 
over the country; and as the circumstances and char- 
acter of the debaters were well known, at the appointed 
time a large crowd was attracted to the little town of 
New Richmond. I arrived there in good time for the 
opening of the controversy. The Rev. Andrew M'Clain, 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, acted as moderator 
on the behalf of brother Fisher. They had agreed upon 
two distinct propositions. Of the first, Mr. Fisher had 
the aflBrmative, and of the second proposition Mr. Smith 
the negative. The debate was held in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, which was crowded to its utmost 
capacity during the whole of the controversy. Mr. 
Smith had not such a smooth road to travel as he ex- 
pected. He soon found out that his opponent was a 
"prince in disguise" — a most formidable controversial- 
ist, possessing most admirable qualities for a good de- 
bater, correct knowledge of the subject, perfect self- 
eontrol, and remarkable powers of condensation, just 
saying enough on each point, and not one word more. 

On the afternoon of the second day, our attention was 
diverted from the debaters, by the strange request of the 
Rev I). Parker, who resides a short distance above the 



214 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

town of New iliclimond. He asked permission of the 
moderators to preach, a sermon on that evening, contain- 
ing Ms peculiar views. He then remarked, as he occu- 
pied middle-ground^^ between the present disputantSj 
he thought the audience ought to hear him. I arose, 
and remarked I supposed there could be no objection to 
his request, provided some of us present should have the 
privilege of replying. To this, however, he strongly 
objected, declaring that he had lost all taste and desire 
for public controversy, but hoped his old friends and 
neighbors in New Kichmond would allow him to preach 
them a sermon in that house at early candle-light. He 
finally obtained permission by a vote of the audience. 
He took for his text, Study to show thyself approved 
unto God," 2 Timothy ii, 15. He commenced by re- 
marking as follows : 

If my faith is right others are wrong. He had seen 
a difficulty all the way, while listening to Messrs. Smith 
and Fisher, and was exceedingly happy to have the priv- 
ilege of setting all right upon the important subject now 
under consideration." He then told us there was ^^no 
threatening of death beyond the present life in the Old 
Testament ; that Adam, by transgression, only lost com- 
munion with Grod. The word infinite was only men- 
tioned three times in the Old Testament — Job, Nahum. 
and 145th Psalm. The soul was not immortal by nature; 
only as it was united to Christ as the branch in the vine. 
There was a difi"erence between the word and revelation ; 
the one was the letter, the other the spirit. The Bible 
was never made flesh ; the Bible is the scahhard of the 
sword.'' He said "the world was sufi'ering greatly for 
the want of this idea. There were but two distinct king- 
doms; one belonged to Grod, the other to Jesus Christ — 
one eternal, the other mediatorial — no immortal devils — 
soul of the righteous sleeps till after the resurrection." 



A DEBATE ON UNIVERSALISM, 215 

These were the prominent thouglits of tlie discourse^ 
which lasted over an hour. It was pronounced^ by the 
majority, a most signal failure. I admired his zeal more 
than his knowledge of the word of Grod. He offered to 
het his farm three or four times during the sermon, or 
give not only his farm, but all his personal effects, also^ 
to'^ny one present, who would convince him that he was 
wrong. (?) From the zeal he manifested that night, I 
feared he would be as difficult to convince as an old 
Dutchman, of whom I had read, was to beat in a foot- 
race. His friend outran him three times in quick suc- 
cession, and then said, ^^Now, Mr. , you will ac- 
knowledge that I can beat you running, will you not 

0, no, sir,'' replied his German friend; ^'I never ac- 
knowledges Tse peat till I gives up, and, py sure, I never 
gives up ! Let us run again." At any rate, the old 
^'restoration" parson has so managed as to retain his 
farm, and is now in the enjoyment of a ''green old age," 
much respected by his neighbors. 

In closing his sermon, he said that he was often asked 
this question : "Why is religion necessary at all, if your 
doctrine of 'final restoration' be true?" "My answer," 
said he, "is this: I think there is about the same differ- 
ence as there would be between a passage from here to 
the Queen City on one of our excellent steam-packets, 
and traveling on foot by the way of Bethel, Batavia, and 
Milford. The 'packet' route is short, direct, and safe, 
with good accommodations ; the other, ' on foot,' rough, 
out of the way, a longer route, and difficult to perform 
the journey." The application was very easy, and I 
replied, in an under tone, " Take to the packet at the 
wharf y every one of you ! The last hell may now he ring- 
ing Thus ended this pleasant little episode. The 
old gentleman seemed much gratified, and we all re- 
turned to our lodgings, without any change in our views 



216 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

as to heaven and hell, or future rewards and punish- 
ments. 

The next morning the church was crowded at an early 
hour, and the debate proceeded regularly till about 11 
o'clock, when Mr. Smith remarked to his opponent that 
he did not think it would be necessary to prolong the 
debate through another day ; that he could say all -he 
desired in one or two speeches more. This announce- 
ment produced quite a sensation in the audience, while 
defeat was already plainly written on the face of Mr. 
Smith. Mr. Fisher replied, ^^I have no objection to 
your closing your remarks to-day; but, as I am now fol- 
lowing your tracks, I stand here prepared to refute all 
the arguments you have to bring, just as long as you 
have a word to utter.'' Mr. Smith then said he would 
close with two speeches more in the afternoon. 

As brother M'Clain was compelled to go home, I was 
chosen to act as moderator in his place. This brought 
me near the speakers, and also gave me a good oppor- 
tunity to take notes of the debate and all that transpired 
on that day. 

It was evident, to all parties present, that Mr. Fisher 
had his antagonist by the "horns," and he was making 
many doleful sounds. Mr. Fisher's closing speech was a 
logical and masterly effort, such as would have done 
honor to the head and heart of the ablest theologian in 
America. His personal appeal to his opponent, Mr. 
Smith, was a "word in season," and it was received in the 
same spirit of kindness in which it was given. I shall 
never forget it. His address to the audience, and his 
timely warning to the young to beware of such a dan- 
gerous heresy, moved all present fo tears. 

"I have seen," said Mr. Fisher, "its ruinous effects on 
many of my neighbors. It has destroyed them soul and 
body; it will do you no good in the dying hour. Do 



A DEBATE ON UNIVERSALIS M. 



217 



take the safe way. Seek and obtain an interest in the 
Savior; lead a life of holiness and self-denial, and then 
you will certainly escape that hell of endless woe which 
was originally prepared for the devil and his angels.'' 
And then^ turning to Mr. Smith, he said, ^'I am now 
done;" and, with a look of compassion and tenderness 
for an erring fellow-mortal that I never beheld before 
or since, he continued to remark, " I must now bid you 
and this audience farevjell! 1 may never see you again 
till we all meet at the judgment-seat of Christ, where 
each of us ^must give account of himself to Grod.' 0, 
then, sir, when the ^ Judge of quick and dead' shall pro 
Bounce your doom, among the rest, and say, 'Depart, go 
away into everlasting punishment !' it will be too late 
then to rise up and say to Him that ' sits upon the 
throne,' ' Stop, there is no eternal jpunishment for me ! 
the Bible taught me that all mankind would be raised to 
a state of final holiness and happiness after death.' Mr. 
Smith, if you die in this belief, you are a ruined man ! 
I beseech you, renounce your false system, and embrace 
the only way of life and salvation !" Mr. Fisher then 
resumed his seat. 

Mr. Smith then arose, and thanked Mr. Fisher for his 
gentlemanly conduct during the debate, and also for the 
interest he had just manifested in his future welfare; 
and then, turning to the audience, he said, ^'I have held 
a number of debates with clergymen of different denom- 
inations in the east and west; and, not many years ago, I 
debated with Rev. Mr. Waterman and Rev. S. A. Latta, 
M. D., both distinguished Methodist clergymen, all of 
whom were children in debate, when compared with my 
good friend, Mr. David Fisher, with whom I have con- 
troverted for the last few days. Indeed, gentlemen and 
ladies, I frankly confess he has done the best for a bad 
cause of any man that I ever 'broke a lance with.' " I 

19 



218 rOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



have often said to my friends^ and I will now record it 
here, that it will ever be a matter of regret with me that 
I did not, at that moment^ set out one of the benches 
in the altar, and ^' call up the mourners." 

I think Mr. Smith was then powerfully convicted by 
the Spirit of God, as well as many others in that atten- 
tive assembly. I believe now great good might have 
resulted from such a winding up of that debate. I 
know it is often said that nothing is gained for truth 
and the cause of God by public controversy. I do not 
subscribe to this statement altogether. God can make 
the wrath of man to praise him." Certainly great good 
resulted from this controversy in the town of New Bich- 
mond. Not long afterward, Mr. Smith himself re- 
nounced Universalism, and is now a minister among the 
Campbellite Baptists. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

SABBATH DESECRATION. 

The gentleman with whom Kev. Eobert Smith boarded, 
Mr. F., was a stanch Universalist. He was the keeper of 
a hotel, and kept on hand a large supply of intoxicating 
liquors. The Universalists in the bounds of W. circuit 
were all lamentably deficient even in good morals. Many, 
indeed, were noted for profanity, gambling, intemper- 
ance, and their utter disregard for the Christian Sab- 
bath. This same gentleman owned a saw-mill, which 
was erected close to the village of Mason, on a small, 
thundergust stream. It had been his practice, for a long 
time, whenever a shower of rain filled the race with a 
sufficient quantity of water, to run the mill on the Sab- 
bath-day. My colleague, Eev. H., who resided in the 



SABBATH DESECRATION. 



219 



jjlacG; was frequently asked, by strangers, if tlie citizens 
of Mason approved of tlie conduct of their fellow-towns- 
man in running his saw-mill on the Sabbath day. To 
this question he always returned a negative answer. 
"Why, then, do you not put a stop to this reproach?''' 
He answered, "I will try.'' 

On his return home, on a certain occasion, he went to 
the owner of the mill, and requested him to desist from 
pursuing a course of conduct so offensive to his neigh- 
bors, and in violation of the statutes of Ohio. Mr. F. 
replied that he would saw just when he pleased, and 
that he did not believe in legal restrictions concerning the 
Sabbath any how. 

The next Sabbath he run the saw-mill as usual. My 
colleague went before Squire D., and made a formal com- 
plaint, on behalf of the state, against the owner of this 
mill. On the day of trial, Mr. F. acknowledged that he 
owned the mill, and that it was run by his orders. He 
was also often seen at the mill, and sometimes going to 
and from it with carpenter's tools under his arm; but 
the sopieTii justice, D., rendered a verdict in favor of the 
defendant, because no one would say that Mr. F. " started 
the mill every time^' it was seen in operation! This 
decision was ridiculed and pronounced unjust even by 
the friends of Mr. D. 

However, not long after the trial, a lengthy article 
appeared in the "Star of the West," written by Rev. 
Robert Smith, censuring the Methodist preacher for 
persecuting^^ Mr. F., a man of good moral character. {^?) 
When this statement was read to Mr, F., by one of his 
neighbors, he seemed to be perfectly delighted with all 
that his minister had said about the affair, except that 
the defendant was a ''man of good moral character." 
On hearing this read, he jumped up, and, scratching his 
head most violently, said, "0, my Grod ! I wish he had 



220 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

said nothing on that subject, for I am quite sure there 
is not a man of my acquaintance, in the town or country, 
that will believe one word of it." His own conscience 
told him it was false. This whole matter became a topic 
of conversation among all classes in that section of 
country. 

My colleague was an "old warrior/' though young in 
years. He still kept a watchful eye over his old friend, 
who seemed to be overjoyed at his unlooked-for acquittal 
by the Universalist magistrate, Mr. D. A few weeks 
afterward, on the day that my colleague preached in M., 
the mill was seen running all day; but there was no 
opportunity for approaching near enough to detect the 
violators of the holy Sabbath. The Rev. Mr. H. went 
home, extinguished all the lights about his dwelling, and 
retired to bed. About ten o'clock he arose and dressed 
himself, and walked deliberately up the small stream till 
he approached near enough to see the ^Henderj" Mr. 

, start the saw-mill. He also discovered the owner, 

Mr. F., sitting there reading a newspaper, and now and 
then assisting in performing the labors of sawyer. Not 
long after he arrived, the mill was stopped, and the saw- 
yer commenced sharpening the saw with a file. Brother 
H. then climbed up on the shaft connecting the saw and 
water-wheel together, till he had a distinct view of the 
personal appearance of the man actually engaged in 
working at the mill. He then, unobserved, returned to 
his home, determined, if spared, to give them another 
^Hrial^' during the week. 

The next day, however, he ascertained that Mr. F. had 
rented his mill to a man by the name of H. K., who was 
also a member of the Universalist society in M. The 
prosecution was now brought against H. K,, before Squire 
B., a short distance from the village, a man of unflinch- 
ing integrity. The owner of the mill and the sawyer 



SABBATH DESECRATION. 



221 



were summoned as witnesses on behalf of the state. At 
tlie appointed time^ a large crowd assembled to witness 
the trial. Mr. F. was first brought upon the stand and 
examined. He instantly confessed the truth of the 
allegation. The sawyer was sworn next^ but denied 
that he knew any thing about it that would go to con- 
demn the defendant; but upon a strict cross-^examina- 
tion, the following facts were brought to light : Squire 

B. said; ^^Mr. H., did you see Mr. , the sawyer^ at 

work on the day specified in this charge V Answer. — 
^^Yes, sir, I did.^' Question. — ''Do you recollect the 
color of his coat?'^ Answer. — ^'I do; it was hlach.^' 
Here the sawyer jumped to his feet, in a rage, and 
exclaimed, ''No, sir, it was not; I wore a hlue coatF' 
Mr. H. then asked the justice if this admission was not 
enough to satisfy all present of his guilt. "But,'^ said 
my colleague, " I wish to ask you another question, Mr. 

: If you had known that I was holding on to the 

shaft below, and looking up in your face while you were 
engaged in sharpening the saw, you would have let the 
water on the wheel, and started the mill instantly, would 
you not?" "No, sir; but if I had only known that you 
were there that night, I would have dropped the file in 
your face, and then would have come down and given 
you a good thrashing, such as you deserved." At this 
second admission, the spectators laughed most heartily, 
and said, "Well, boys, you are caught at last — fairly 
beaten at your own game. Hurrah for the Methodist 
preacher! he has outwitted the whole of them." A 
judgment was rendered against the defendant, the fine 
and cost of suit announced, the parties retired, and I 
never heard of the little saw-mill in M. cutting timber 
on the holy Sabbath again. So much for legal suasion 
in favor of the Sabbath. 

Rev. Kobert Smith and his host were sadly disap- 



222 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

pointed in the result of the last trial about the saw-mill. 
This reverend divine had rather a singular and incon- 
sistent method of preparing for a debate. A young 
lady, who lived in the family where he boarded, related 
the following remarkable facts concerning this great 
champion of the Universalists in the Miami Valley. 
Instead of taking the time and trouble to copy out of 
the Bible his proof-texts, he cut out, with a pair of scis- 
sors, such portions as he desired to quote, and pasted them 
on blank cards procured for that special purpose. In 
this way he would destroy a dozen of Bibles and New 
Testaments in a week. The precious word of God, thus 
mutilated, was ordered to be carried out of his room, 
and cast away in the back yard. Surely, no man, who 
had a proper reverence for the word of Grod, would treat 
it in this manner. 

The following note from my old colleague, Eev. H., 
furnishes the last intelligence of this erring man, Rev. 
R. Smith: 

In the fall of 1850, I was appointed, by Bishop An- 
drew, to Irvine district, in the Kentucky conference. At 
my third quarterly meeting for London circuit, in Laurel 
county, a wilderness region, I noticed quite a familiar 
countenance in my congregation. I approached the gen- 
tleman, and asked his name. He replied, ' My name is 
Robert Smith; I think I ought to know you, sir.' 1 
then told him my name was H. ; that I formerly lived in 
Ohio, and resided for one year in Mason, or a town called 
Palmyra. Have I not seen you there, Mr. Smith ? ' 0, 
yes, sir, I used to live there.' ^ Well, Mr. Smith, do you 
remember the Rev. Samuel A. Latta, M. D., and Dr. 
John Waterman, and a layman of the name of David 
Fisher, Esq., of Clermont county, in that state?' To 
this question he replied as follows, while a crimson blush 
mantled his cheek : ' 0, yes, sir, I remember them very 



RESISTING THE HOLY SPIRIT. 



223 



well; but I liave ctanged my course of life since tlien, 
and retired to this new country to live/ I was also 
informed that he had not lived long in that region, and 
that, since his arrival among them, he had kept himself 
hidden, as much as possible, from public view. 

^^Fraternally, Your Fellow-laborer." 



CHAPTEE XXXIII. 

FEARFUL CONSEQUENCES OF OBSTINATELY 
RESISTING THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

About the middle of the revival at M., an occurrence 
transpired worthy of record. A Mr. S., whose wife was 
a member of our Church, had been very friendly with me 
up to the commencement of the meeting. He then ab- 
sented himself from the Church, and joined with others 
to oppose -me. On one occasion I called to see him. I 
found him at work in his shop, adjoining his house. 
After a very friendly conversation about temporal things, 
on my rising up to depart, I gave him a kind invitation 
to attend the meetings which were now in progress. At 
this he became very much excited, and stated that he 
would not. I replied, "Very well,'^ and then added that 
I hoped he would not be offended at me, for I did not 
wish to do him any harm, but was willing to do any 
thing in my power for either his soul or body. He then 
got very angry, and told me to leave immediately, as he 
did not wish to hold any conversation with me. "Why 
do you not,'^ said he, "act like other denominations of 
Christians ? What is the use of your holding your meet- 
ings so long?" He then began to curse and swear in a 
most shocking manner, upon which I walked toward the 
door to take my exit; but before I left I remarked to 



224 rooT-pRiNTs or an itinerant. 

him as follows: ^^Mr. S., I have only to say to you now, 
that if you still continue to pursue this kind of conduct 
toward the Church and the ministry of the word of Grod, 
you will make yourself a very unhappy man; and be 
assured; I will not cease to pray for your soul.'' He 
thanked me with a lip of scorn, and then added, " I will 
risk it; I can sleep as sound as the best of you." 

I took my leave of him, and, to my astonishment, that 
evening, soon after service commenced, he came with his 
wife to preaching. The house was much crowded, and 
he took his stand alDOut midway of one of the aisks in 
the old academy. He appeared restless, and soon went 
out, but returned again in a few minutes. He went out 
a second time before the sermon closed, and struck the 
door violently three times with a stone. His wife then 
rose up and went out, and they started home together. 
As they passed down the street he raved and swore like a 
madman, and told his wife he would take her life if she 
ever entered the door of the Methodist church again. 
After they reached home, he knocked over the chairs, 
and pitched the hearth-plate of an old stove up against 
the plastering over his head, and swore vengeance 
against the entire Methodist society. He slept none 
that whole night. The next day he was furious, and 
the wicked cried out, "'Bravo! bravo!" when they heard 
what he had done. But it was not long till even public 
opinion turned against him, and he was actually ashamed 
to be seen walking the streets. 

About three days after this occurrence, early in the 
morning, before I had left my bed, I heard some one 
rap at my door. I arose and opened it, and, to my great 
astonishment, I found Mr. S. standing on the steps. He 
immediately offered me his hand, and, bursting into 
tears, stated that he could not sleep during the past 
night." ''I have come," said he, "to ask your pardon 



RESISTING THE HOLY SPIRIT. 



225 



for treating you as I did the other day. Will you forgive 
me ? Will you come and see me ? 0, I am indeed veiy 
unhappy, and could not rest till I would come and see 
you I" I told him I had long since forgiven him^ and I 
hoped Grod would also forgive him, and that he would 
yet become a good Christian. '^I have no hope of 
that/' was his reply, in a sad and tremulous tone of 
voice. 

I called to see him as I promised, but found him dis- 
inclined to converse upon subjects of a serious character. 
Time rolled away, and about two months after this he 
called again at my boarding-house, and sent for brother 
N. and myself, and, with streaming eyes, informed me 
that ^'he could stand out no longer,'' and that he came 
over to '^ask me to pray for him." I visited him, and 
complied with his wishes. The following Sabbath it was 
noised abroad that he intended to join the Church. 
This drew a large crowd to the academy. Mr. S. was 
there, and when I opened the doors of the Church, he 
started and came about half-way up to the pulpit, and 
then stopped and looked back to see what his wicked 
associates were doing or saying. His conduct and ap- 
pearance excited the congregation very much. He at 
last eame up, and gave me his hand, as I thought, with 
some degree of reluctance. I also thought of the 
language of my Savior, ^'No man having put his hand 
to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of 
God." I also remembered Lot's wife. His case was a 
most singular one; I will only give a small part of 
it. His health rapidly declined; he wasted away to a 
mere skeleton; he refused all consolation from the word 
of Grod; he would send for me one day and the doctor 
the next. Sometimes, when I would call to see him, he 
would step to the door, and look down street to see if 
any of his wicked neighbors saw me coming. After he 



226 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

joined the Clmrch, lie told me that, from the time he 
ordered me away from his house, and told me that he 
could sleep as sound as the best of us/' he had not 
enjoyed one hour's undisturbed repose. He would go 
out and play cards to divert his mind, till at last, as a 
young man told me who played with him, he could not 
distinguish one card from another. Sometimes, on his 
way home, he would imagine the devil was after him, 
and he would start and run as fast as he could. Very 
often he would make his wife get up out of her bed and 
pray all night for him, and then in the morning threaten 
to take her life if she would tell any one that he was 
seeking religion ; but at last his conscience troubled him 
so much he was forced to come and tell me, and also to 
offer himself for membership in the Church. 

Soon after he joined the Church, he became incapable 
of attending to his business. Our enemies rejoiced at 
this, and charged me with the awful sin, as they termed 
it, of setting this man crazy.'' I told them I had 
nothing to do with that matter, his own wickedness was 
chastising him ; God had a , controversy with him, and, 
unless Mr. S. would submit to the Gospel method of ob- 
taining salvation, I had no hope of his salvation. All 
confessed ''the hand of God had touched him." He 
continued in this state of mind for more than three 
months, till he looked like a walking skeleton ; then, all 
of a sudden, he began apparently to recover, and soon 
became so fleshy that he could not get on any of his 
old clothes. At times he seemed penitent, and then 
again manifested his hatred to the humbling doctrines 
of the cross. He secretly loved the wages of unright- 
eousness." At length the Holy Spirit ceased to strive 
with him. He then joined the Universalists, and be- 
came desperately wicked, and soon squandered all his 
property, and left his family and wandered about from 



MT FIRST STATION. 



227 



place to place, like some evil spirit seeking rest, but 
finding none. The last time I heard from him he was 
still ^'without Grod and without hope in the world." 



CHAPTER XXXIY. 

MY EIRST STATION. 

The following sketch of my labors in Fulton station, 
Cincinnati, I have extracted from my journal: 

October 30, 1838.— In the fall of 1838 I wa-s appoint- 
ed to Fulton station, and commenced my labors October 
21st. Grod owned his truth at our first coming together. 
J\i the evening the "glory of the Lord'' filled the tem- 
ple. "I thanked Grod and took courage." This day I 
rejoice in Cod for what he is doing in Fulton station, in 
the awakening and conversion of sinners. Last, night I 
was very happy, and to-day my "peace flows like a river." 

November 3. — Had several good meetings this weekj 
upward of twenty were added to the Church, and the 
good work is still progressing. Attended a funeral to- 
day, at which a very unpleasant occurrence transpired. 
After the sermon was over I retired to another room, but 
soon learned that a difficulty had sprung up between the 
mother of the boy and a proud, ungodly son-in-law, who 
had arrived only a few minutes before. He told his 
mother-in-law that the coffin was not fine enough, and 
objected to having him buried till he would go down to 
the city and procure a more elegant one. Brother Chris- 
topher Smith, the undertaker, audibly remarked as fol- 
lows: "I can make you a better one, but this coffin is 
just such a one as was ordered, and good enough to bury 
any Christian in, and I am afraid, young man, unless you 
change your conduct, your body may not have as decent 



228 rooT-PRiNTs of an itinerant. 

a covering as this when you are laid in the grave." It 
was a word in season. The poor, vain creature left the 
room, and the procession moved onward to the grave. 
To-day I visited a wretched family, living in a damp, 
cold cellar. They are very poor. While praying for 
them, Grod came down in mighty power, and healed the 
woman of her "backslidings," and she shouted aloud for 
joy. Her health is now rapidly recovering. 0, the won- 
derful influences of " effectual prayer I" 

Before the close of the old year God favored us with 
a most gracious revival. Upward of fifty souls were 
soundly converted. 

Under date of January 10, 1839, I find the following 
brief record : 

Thus far, in the new year, my health is much better. 
Prospects good. G-od is still with us. Amen. 

February 15. — Yesterday I entered the fourth year 
of my ministry. ''Bless the Lord, my soul," for a con- 
tinuation of his goodness to me ! A great part of the 
time my health has been very poor; but I thank God, my 
labors have not been altogether in vain in the Lord. I 
will still go on. 

In 1838 Fulton station embraced all east of Deer creek, 
in Cincinnati, and all of Fulton township. It was a hard 
field of labor, many of the members living at a consider- 
able distance from the church. Early in the spring my 
health declined rapidly, so that it was with great dijQ&culty 
that I performed the duties of a stationed minister. I 
loved the people of that station ''fervently," and I know 
that I shared largely in their prayers and Christian sym- 
pathies. In looking over that pleasant field, I call to 
mind many sad and pleasing recollections. While board- 
ing with brother R., a young man kept a store imme- 
diately under the room in which I had my lodgings. I 
often tried to allure him to the house of God, but without 



MY PIRST STATION. 



229 



success. I asked myself, ^^Lord, what more can I do for 
the conversion of this amiable young man At last I said 
to myself, ^^This will I do — I will kneel down every night, 
over his head in my own room, and pray God to awaken 
and convert his soul." Early in the morning after the 
third night, I met him in the hack yard. He spoke very 
kindly, but looked pale and sad. "Mr. Gaddis,'' said he, 
before we parted, ''I wish you would come into my store 
after breakfast. I desire to have a short conversation with 
you." I told him it would afford me great pleasure to do so. 
On conversing with him, I learned the following singular 
facts : He remarked, " On going to bed last night, I felt 
strangely impressed. I could not sleep for some time. 
A.t last I fell into a profound sleep, and did not awake till 
after midnight; at which time I was aroused by a most 
alarming vision, or dream. I thought that, for some 
wicked acts of my past life, I was condemned to die, and 
rhe day and hour named for my execution had come, and 
I was led forth to the scaffold. I was convinced that if 
I died as I then was, I would open my eyes in hell as soon 
as my soul was severed from the body. I awoke, and 
found it was a dream ; but I am sensible it was a warning 
from God. I arose from my bed and spent the remainder 
of the night on my knees, pleading with God to regen- 
erate my poor soul. Now, Mr. Gaddis," he said, "I have 
asked you in here this morning to request an interest in 
your prayers. I am resolved to change my future course 
of conduct and lead a new life." He was among the 
mourners that night at M'Kendree, and was soon made a 
happy partaker of justifying grace. I have always re- 
garded his salvation as a remarkable answer to "importu- 
nate prayer," and another proof of the declaration of 
Elihu in Job: "For God speaketh once, yea, twice; yet 
man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the 
night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings 



230 FOOT -PRINTS OF AX ITINERANT. 

upon the bed; then he openeth the ears of men, and 
sealeth their instruction, that he may withdraw man from 
his purpose, and hide pride from man." 

A Mr. was a striking example of self-deception. 

While digging a cellar, a portion of the bank next the 
hill fell down suddenly, and fatally injured him in the 
abdomen, as was generally believed by his surgeon and 
neighbors. Several days after the accident, he became 
apparently deeply penitent, and sent for one of my class- 
leaders to visit him, and pray for him. After several vis- 
its the sick man professed conversion, and sent for me to 
come immediately to his sick-room. On going in I found 
him joyful. He said he knew God had pardoned all his 
sins. The next day Dr. 31. was sent for, who performed 
a very difficult surgical operation, and gave him sudden 
relief, so that in a short time he was pronounced conva- 
lescent, and entirely out of danger. I often visited this 
man's chamber, and heard him vow and vow again, should 
God spare him to recover, he would imniediateJy join the 
Chv.rch, and devote himself and family to the service of 
God. But, alas ! alas ! how deceptive the human heart ! 
The words of the prophet were strikingly fulfilled in his 
case : " When He slew them, then they sought Him ; and 
they returned and inquired early after God : and they re- 
membered that God was their Kock, and the high God their 
Redeemer. Xevertheless, they did flatter him with their 
mouth, and lied unto him with their tongues; for their 
heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast 
in his covenant." This poor, deluded man recovered 
rapidly, and as soon as his strength returned he no longer 
had any use for class-leaders, ministers, prayers, or even 
the Bible of God. He was heard to laugh at his fears in 
view of a coming judgment, and to use profane language 
before he was able to quit his sick-room, and instead of 
coming to Church and uniting with the people of God, he 



MY FIRST STATION. 



231 



never crossed the thresliold of the sanctuary. When 1 
would see him coming down the street he would instantly 
cross over to the other side, to avoid meeting me on the 
pavement or side-walk. 

During the progress of the revival at M'Kendree, two 
sisters came to the mourners' bench. One of them was 
converted soon, but the other could not obtain the bless- 
ing.'' One night, before starting to Church, she put on 
her bonnet and stood before the looking-glass to see if all 
was right. When she discovered her '^artificial flowers," 
she said to herself, ''Well, every time I have approached 
the altar I have felt condemned for going there with my 
bonnet lined with flowers; now, by the help of God, you 
shall not go there to-night V and, putting up her hand, 
she pulled them out and laid them on the stand; for, to 
use her own language, "Pride was my besetting sin, and 
I am determined to lay aside every weight and strip for 
the race." That night God converted her soul soon after 
she approached the altar. 

I shall never forget the case of a discouraged "mourn- 
er," that came within my observation. A lady, who had 
sought the Savior for more than three days sorrowing, 
came to me at the close of our second quarterly meeting, 
in the spring, and asked me if I did not intend to pro- 
tract the meeting. I told her we should have meeting 
the next day at ten o'clock in the morning. "I am glad 
of it," she replied, "for I was afraid your meeting would 
close before I found peace and comfort to my troubled 
soul;" and then, in a most eloquent and pathetic manner, 
told me the sorrows of her broken heart. I then said : 
•' Sister, God can change your heart at home as well as at 
the church. He often disappoints us in regard to our 
expectations, desires, and plans of obtaining a knowledge 
of the remission of sins," and closed my advice by say- 
ing, "I want you to seek as you go home, and to-night, 



232 rooT-PRiNTs of an itinerant. 



before you retire, expect tlie ^blessing;' but remember 
this, ^Thougli sorrow may continue for a night, joy will 
come in the morning.' " The next day, as soon as I saw 
her, I knew she had met with a change. Her counte- 
nance beamed with joy, and bespoke a heart at peace with 
God. On that morning she arose early, and resolved to 
go out into the garden and pray, remembering those 
encouraging words, ^' Though sorrow may continue for a 
night, joy will come in the morning.'^ She kneeled down 
with her face toward the east. It was a little before sun- 
rise; she did not "wrestle'' long before the natural sun 
appeared above the horizon, and "the Sun of righteous- 
ness arose with healing in his wings'' upon her dark and 
troubled soul. Now she was enabled to say, from heart- 
felt experience, "Though sorrow may continue for a 
night, joy cometh in the morning." Like one of old, 
she "went on her way rejoicing" toward Mount Zion. 

In the early part of the summer I made a short visit to 
the Esculapian Springs in Kentucky. It was then kept 
by Captain Carter, a very kind and amiable gentleman. 
The day before I left it was ascertained that I was a 
Methodist minister. Mr. C. and his family urged me to 
preach. I told them I had no objection, provided it met 
the approval of his visitors. He soon devised a plan to 
secure their approbation, and put up a notice that I would 
preach at four o'clock, that same afternoon, in the ball- 
room. I went to my room and spent the greater part of 
the intervening hours in fervent prayer to my heavenly 
Father for assistance in the time of special need. At 
the appointed hour the room was crowded full, lind many 
were compelled to stand outside. I preached the Gospel 
with the " Holy Ghost sent down from heaven." It touch- 
ed many hearts. Blessed be God, I have no doubt good 
was done that afternoon. An aged man, who leaned upon 
his staff, had not heard a sermon for ten long years before, 



PRACTICAL AMALGAMATION. 



233 



on the account of affliction. As soon as I pronounced 
tlie benediction a number came forward and sbook me 
kindly by the hand, and asked me to remember them in 
my prayers. Some, I found, were Methodists and warm- 
hearted Christians; and some of other denominations 
made themselves known to me also. 

It was customary to have music and dancing every 
night in the ball-room; but after the sermon that after- 
noon, none seemed desirous to engage in any amusement 
whatever. It was ten o'clock before any one even took a 
seat in the usual place of mirth — the ball-room. One 
remarked, Another sermon of that kind would soon 
spoil all their fun, and cause the place to be deserted for 
the season. The next morning I took my departure, 
with a happy frame of mind, and more determined than 
ever to ^^know nothing among men but Christ and him 
crucified." 



CHAPTER XXXVi 

PRACTICAL AMALGAMATION. 

"Truth is stranger than fiction." How often does 
the minister of Christ meet with a verification of this 
proverb ! Many strange and wonderful incidents came 
under my own observation while laboring in this sta- 
tion. One afternoon I was called on to marry a couple 
who came from the city. The wedding was to be at 
the house of a member of my charge. Rev. John 
Miley accompanied me to witness the ceremony. It was 
what IS usually called a "runaway match." The lady 
seemed rather of an "uncertain" age, and was much 
agitated during the marriage ceremony. I remarked at 

the time to brother Miley that I did not like her 
20 



•^34 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



movements, she had too much use for her hartshorn.'^ 
Her conduct was studied, not natural and easy. Soon 
after the ceremony was over she retired to her room. 
But all these strange and erratic movements were char- 
itably explained by the peculiarities of hsr present 
situation. That same night the parties returned to the 

city and took boarding at . I did not hear any 

more of them till about four weeks afterward; I then 
learned that they had separated. This surprised me 
very much. A near relative of his furnished me a very 
satisfactory explanation of the whole matter. The 
young lady professed to be the daughter of a widow 

Grinson, living on street, near Court. Mr. S. was 

not permitted to see her previous to the marriage. The 
young lady told him when he first proposed marriage, that 
her mother would never consent to the match; and at 
the second interview, told him her mother refused to sec 
any man who desired the hand of her daughter in mar- 
riage, and that she was growing old and wished her 
daughter to remain with her till her death. He then 
asked her if she would elope with him. She replied, ^^I 
will, if you will wait till I get my wedding clothes made." 
The time was fixed, and they came to F., and I married 
them, April 24, 1839. I will now furnish my readers the 
sequel of this wicked deception. Mr. S. urged his wife 
to make preparation for housekeeping. This she was 
very reluctant to do, but at length made all the necessary 
arrangements, and her husband procured a house in a 
very respectable part of the city. She now became un- 
happy, and manifested great disquietude of mind. Her 
husband was at a loss to understand the cause of her dis- 
tress. At length she coolly said to him one day, Mr. S., 
I wish you would leave Cincinnati, and go somewhere else 
to live." He inquired hastily, "Why, my dear, (?) do you 
wish to move away from this city?" "O," said she, "we 



PRACTICAL AMALGAMATION. 



235 



can never be respected here as we would be among stran- 
gers." ^'Why not?" responded her husband. She then 
fell on her knees and implored his forgiveness. ^'I have 
deceived you," said she, with a tone and manner that 
satisfied him she was not jesting. ^^I have deeply wronged 
you; but I was instigated to it by others, and tempted by 
the devil. 0, will you ever forgive me ? Will God for- 
give me for such a wicked act?" Not being a believer 
in practical amalgamation, they had an unceremonious 
parting that same evening, and she returned to soothe 
the few remaining days of her ebony, widowed mother. 
The next year he obtained a divorce. 

A similar case occurred not long after, in the town of 
F. A young gentleman, a steam-boat pilot, formed the 
acquaintance of a young lady who resided at the time in 
the third ward, east of Broadway. After a short court- 
ship they were lawfully married by the Rev. William 
Burke, and came to board near the M'Kendree Chapel, of 
which I was pastor at the time. On one occasion I was 
called, in great haste, to visit a lady residing at the house 

of Mr. , a short distance from my place of boarding. 

On entering her room I found her very ill, and her 
female attendants much excited. She was tossing to and 
fro, and moaning apparently in the deepest agony. It 
was the opinion of Doctor T., that unless she got relief 
she would die soon. In the midst of the excitement I 
tried to pray, as I was requested, for the sick young wo- 
man as well as I could. From the lady with whom she 
boarded I learned the following particulars : She had 
been married only about ten days or two weeks. Her 
husband being a regular steam-boat pilot, could not com- 
mand his own time, but was obliged to depart whenever 
his boat was ready to leave that port for New Orleans. 
He left his young wife in charge of the family of Mr. B., 
with whom he had engaged her board till the time of his 



236 POOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



return. The same night of his departure his wife slept 
but little, and about day-break she came down stairs in 
apparent alarm, but kept quiet during the day. The 
next night she was more disturbed mentally than on the 
previous night, andf long before morning, came down into 
Mrs. B.'s room and requested her to let her sleep on 
the floor till morning. The sympathies of the kind 
family were aroused in her behalf, and they did every 
thing they could to soothe her agitated mind, which they 
supposed arose from the sudden departure of her hus- 
band, and his consequent exposure on the river by night 
and day. However, all their efforts were fruitless. She 
grew worse and worse till she took her bed and sent for a 
physician. She refused all nourishment, and artfully 
concealed the true cause of her misery till her reason 
was well nigh dethroned. The sympathies of the whole 
community were awakened in the behalf of the youthful 
bride. Her strange actions from the moment her hus- 
band took his departure were the topic of conversation 
in the whole neighborhood for more than a week before 
the mystery was solved. One morning, while writhing in 
anguish, she put up her hands and tore off her "wig,'' 
and, to the amusement and chagrin of her lady nurses, a 
curly head dissipated at once the mystery that had envel- 
oped her case. A messenger was dispatched for Doctor 
T , v/ho, on further examination about the cranium, satis- 
fied himself and all present, that she was not of Anglo- 
Saxon blood. Not long after this I met one of our good 
sisters coming out of her sick-room laughing most heart- 
ily, and as soon as she saw me she remarked as follows : 
'^Well, brother G-., I think your services may be dis- 
pensed with now; we have made a strange discovery. 
Our young bride turns out to be a most beautiful mulatto 
girl, with false hair, which she tore off this morning, and 
let us into the secret of her agony. It is a troubled con- 



PRACTICAL AMALGAMATION. 237 

science that makes her groan " and weep so much. You 
may rest assured/' said sister M., ^^our young friend/ Mr. 

, has been ^bitten badly' in this hasty matrimonial 

affair, but I suppose he will get no sympathy among the 
female portion of this community, for reasons not neces- 
sary to mention.'' You may imagine the excitement 
among the young people when the mystery was unraveled. 
I hasten to give the sequel. The mother of the bride 
was a respectable colored woman, living in Champaign 
county. The daughter left home to live with a gentle- 
man in Covington, Kentucky. Not long after she came 
there a wicked-hearted woman, who was a slave, told her 
that she was surprised at a woman so near white living 
among colored folks at all; and then told her to go over 
to Cincinnati and purchase a ^^wig,'^ and have her hair 
trimmed close; then she would be able to pass for a 
white girl, and marry a white husband. The silly girl 
took her advice. How well she played her part, and how 
much she suffered for her deceptions, I have in part 
already narrated. Her husband, before his return, was 
informed of his unenviable condition. On his return he 
resorted to no violent measures, but submitted to his fate 
with a heroism that astonished all with whom he had 
intercourse. She was brought down to the verge of the 
grave, and did not recover till near spring. Her husband 
employed a nurse to take good care of her, and when she 
got well, furnished her the means to return home to her 
mother. He was divorced from her at an early period. 
Of their future history I have not been advised. This is 
^'romance in real life" in the Queen City and a suburban 
village. 

I was much attached to the members of the Church at 
M'Kendree Chapel in Fulton. I know I had their confi- 
dence and esteem. The society was in a flourishing con- 
dition at that period, and numbered two hundred and 



238 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

forty- two. A new church was erected some years after- 
ward, but the society has not increased much in conse- 
quence of removals. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

EASTERN CHARGE, WESLEY CHAPEL, CIN- 
CINNATI. 

In 1839 I was appointed to Wesley Chapel in Cincin 
nati; Rev. E. W. Sehon was my colleague, and preacher 
in charge of the station. Soon after the close of con- 
ference, which was held in Cincinnati, before entering 
on the duties of the station I concluded to visit my 
widowed mother in the county of Adams, about eighty 
miles from the city. I traveled on board a steamboat 
as far as Maysville, Kentucky, and then by stage to 
West Union. In the stage-coach I became acquainted 
with Rev. Mr. M'Cauley, of the Presbyterian Church. 
I was much pleased and edified by his remarks on the 
importance of the faithful discharge of the duties of 
the sacred office. When I was about to leave him he 
inquired, kindly, which way I was going; I replied, "To 
visit my aged mother," who was then residing with my 
only sister, Mrs. Wamsley, near Ohio Brush Creek Forge. 
As he gave me the parting hand he said, "Mother! 
mother ! that is a sweet name, and you can but be happy 
in the prospect of soon seeing her, and to receive her 
blessing at the close of the toils of another year." The 
manner as well as the words he then uttered made a 
deep impression on my poor heart. We did meet very 
soon, and I felt that I was happy. Our meeting was 
short. We soon parted for the last time. I left on 
Friday and traveled as far as Georgetown, in the county 



WESLEY CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 



239 



of ."Brown, wliere I concluded to spend the Sabbath. Early 
on Monday morning I received intelligence that my 
mother died on Sabbath, and that her corpse would be 
brought to Ripley on Tuesday for interment. This sad 
intelligence induced me to change my course, and I 
took the stage for Ripley on Monday evening. how 
cheerless and cold the world looked that evening ! I felt 
that I was bereaved of the best friend Grod ever gave 
me. My health was then very poor, and the affliction 
was very trying to my shattered constitution. Never 
shall I forget the emotions of my heart when I looked 
upon my mother's face for the last time. For several 
days afterward I felt as though my poor heart would 
break. At the hour of twilight I went out to the grave 
of my mother, where she was laid side by side with my 
beloved father. I kneeled down and prayed to God that 
he would permit her departed spirit to become my guard- 
ian angel in this land of sorrow; and that she might 
De especially near me when trying to preach the Gospel 
of the grace of God. Ever since I have loved to visit 
her grave and water it with my tears, and renew my 
vows that her God shall be my God henceforth and for- 
ever. When I last stood there I repeated over and over 
again the following beautiful words : 

" Mother, I love thy grave : 
The violet, with its blossoms blue and mild, 
Waves o'er thy head; when shall it wave 
Above thy child? 

Where is thy spirit flown? 
I gaze above, thy look is imaged there; 
I listen, and thy gentle tone 
Is on the air. 

O come whilst here I press 
My brow upon thy grave, and in those mild 
And thrilling tones of tenderness, 
Bless, bless thy child ! 



240 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Yes, bless thy weeping cliild, 
And o'er thine urn, religion's holiest shrine, 
give his spirit undefiled 

To blend with thine." 

On my return home to Cincinnati, after the burial of 
my mother, I felt that the last tie which bound me to 
earth was now severed, and I had no care on my mind 
of an earthly nature. I resolved to consecrate soul and 
body anew to the service of my adorable Kedeemer 
The work of grace progressed in my soul with greater 
power, and I had greater liberty of speech in proclaim- 
ing the Grospel. 

Early in the year I was enabled to enter into a solemn 
covenant with God, to walk before him more holily and. 
unblamably all the days of my earthly pilgrimage. Sa- 
tan tried all his hellish skill to prevent the surrender, 
but, by the grace of Grod, at an unlooked-for moment, I 
was enabled to give up all into the hands of my blessed 
Master. It was during a most gracious outpouring of 
the Spirit of God in Wesley Chapel, and after my re- 
turn late at night from a general class meeting. I feel 
it my duty to transcribe it here in honor of Him to 
whom I still belong. God grant that others who may 
read these Foot-prints" may share such a rich blessing 
also ! 

THE CONSECRATION. 

After the death of my beloved mother in the fall 
of 1839 my mind was deeply impressed with the ne- 
cessity of seeking earnestly for a "clean heart.'' ^'Be ye 
therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven 
is perfect;" "Ye shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, 
am holy," was constantly sounding in my ears, and also 
the beautiful words of one of our well-known hymns, 

" Thou shalt see my glory soon 
When the icork of faith is done." 



WESLEY CHAPEL, CINCINNATI 241 

For several days just before tlie memorable transac- 
tion bere recorded, tbese words also bore with unusual 
weight upon my mind, Behold, now is the accepted 
time^ behold, now is the day of salvation 

On the evening of the 5th day of December, while 
attending a general class meeting at Wesley Chapel in 
Cincinnati, I was most graciously visited by the power 
of Grod; and, on my return home, I could say of a truth, 
"My heart and my flesh crieth out after the living God." 
Rev. A. C, then stationed in the city, was present at 
our society meeting, and on invitation accompanied me 
home to my place of boarding, to remain during the 
night. Brother S., with whom I was boarding, re- 
quested Rev. A. C. to lead in family prayer, and while 
he was pouring out his soul in fervent supplication the 
love of God seemed to 'pervade every heart. Immedi- 
ately after prayers the family retired. In company with 
brother C. I also went up into my bed-chamber; but, on 
reflection, I soon returned down stairs again to bathe 
my feet, as I was somewhat indisposed, from too frequent 
exposure to the night air while attending the protracted 
meeting. On re-entering the room where we had just 
offered our evening sacrifice of prayer and praise, I re- 
alized that the Divine glory still lingered around that 
sacred altar. The power of God moved upon my heart, 
and forcibly impressed my mind that I would never see 
a more favorable time for the consummation of a long- 
cherished desire of my heart — a settled purpose of mind, 
to make a solemn and formal dedication of myself to 
the Almighty, and subscribe with my own hand to the 
• God of Jacob. I was also deeply impressed and clearly 
convinced: 1. Of the absolute necessity of holiness of 
heart, "without which none shall see the Lord." 2. The 
certainty of the attainment of a higher state of religious 
enjoyment; it being the "will of God, even my sanctifi- 



242 rOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

cation." 3. The simple manner of obtaining it — by faith 
in tbe blood of Jesus Cbrist. ^^Tbou shalt call his name 
Jesus, because he shall save his people from their sins.'' 
Without a moment's delay I resolved, then and there, 
fully to trust the Lord; unwavering faith apprehended 
the efficiency of the blood of Christ to " cleanse from all 
sin.'' My anxious and burdened soul cried out with 
vehemence, impatient to be free, 

" 0, kill in me this rebel sin, 
And reign in triumph o'er my willing heart." 

In a moment I felt my heart melt like wax before the 
fire, and my eyes suffused in tears of joy. I then rose 
from my seat and walked about the room, exclaiming in 
an audible voice, "I am the Lord's! I am the Lord's!" 
I then fell upon my knees, and made an offering of soul 
and body to God in the following simple manner: '^Here, 
Lord, I bring to thee my poor, weakly body, and sin-pol- 
luted soul; take me, Jesus, just as I am." At that mo- 
ment the Holy Grhost pressed home, with power, the fol- 
lowing interrogation: ^^Do you give up all?" Bringing 
to my recollection a ^^form of surrender" mentioned in 
Livy, where Egenious had inquired, ^^Are you the em- 
bassadors sent by the people of Callatia, that you may 
yield up yourselves and the Callatine people?" It was 
answered, "We are." And was again asked, "Are the 
Callatine people in their own power?" It was answered, 
"They are." It was further inquired, "Do you deliver 
up yourselves, the people of Callatia, your city, your 
fields, your waters, your bounds, your temples, your uten- 
tils — all things that are yours, both Divine and human, 
into mine and the people of Rome's power?" They say, 
" We deliver up allP And he answered, "So I receive 
you." After repeating these words several times, I said, 
"Now, O my Grod, I would in like manner deliver up allj 



WESLEY CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 243 

my soul and body; all, all — no longer mine, but thine, to 
all eternity. Wilt thou now receive me?'' The Holy 
Spirit then immediately whispered in my heart, in sweet- 
est accents, Yes, I noio receive you." I instantly rose 
up from my prostrate position on the floor, and exclaimed 
with emphasis, I am the Lord's forever! I am the 
Lord's forever! I am the Lord's forever!" 

I then concluded I would go up stairs and make a 
record of this most solemn transaction between Grod and 
my soul, in my journal, calling to my recollection the 
striking words of the prophet, " One shall say, I am the 
Lord's; and another shall call himself by the name of 
Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto 
the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel." 

" God, -what off 'ring shall I give 

To thee 

My spirit, soul, and flesh receive, 

A holy, living sacrifice : 

Small as it is, 'tis all my store ; 

More thou shouldst have, if I had more. 

Now, then, my God, thou hast my soul ; 
No longer mine, but thine, I am : 
Guard thou thine own, possess it whole ; 
Cheer it with hope, with love inflame : 
Thou hast my spirit ; there display 
Thy glory to the perfect day." 

On entering my bedroom I found that brother C. had 
retired to rest, wondering in his own mind, as he after- 
ward informed me, what should have detained me so long. 
My only reply was, that ^^my poor soul was inexpressibly 
happy." He then remarked, I think, brother Gaddis, 
you had better come to bed soon, as the room is jgold, and 
you will injure your health by sitting up so late, when so 
much indisposed." I then very deliberately unlocked the 
book-case, and took out my journal, determined, by the 
help of Grod, not to give sleep to eyes nor slumber to my 
eyelids till I should make the long-promised dedication 



244 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

of myself to God in writing. The tempter now assaulted 
me in a powerful manner, for the first time during the 
whole transaction, and suggested that I had better defer 
it till the morning, and, as I could not recollect the day 
of the month, the covenant would not be binding. I 
listened but for a moment, and then replied, ^'Get behind 
me, Satan, for thou art an offense unto me.'' Blessed 
God, Satan was bruised under my feet, and I was left in 
quiet possession of the victory, so unexpectedly obtained. 
I then, with much deliberation, inquired of brother C. 
for the correct time, and after having been assured that I 
was right, I made the following record, without a single 
moment's premeditation: 

Half-past ten o'clock on this, the evening of the fifth 
day of December, year of our Lord one thousand eight 
hundred and thirty-nine — I dedicate my soul and body 
anew, a living sacrifice unto God; and reckon myself in- 
deed dead to sin and alive to God, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord, from this time henceforth and forever, living 
or dying, to be the Lord's. 

"My life and blood I here present, 
If for thy truth they may he spent." 

Amen ! 
Maxwell P. Gaddis. 

Cincinnati, Dec. 5, 1839. 

After the signing of this solemn covenant I hastened 
to bed. I felt that I had accomplished at last what I had 
so long most ardently desired. I also felt an inward 
satisfaction which I had never experienced before. I 
could not sleep. My mind was impressed in a way and 
manner unknown before. After some time had elapsed I 
remarked to brother C, that I was dying, but that I was 
not alarmed. He then remarked, that from the moment 
I entered the room and told him I was so happy, his own 
emotions had been very peculiar. I recollect that he 



■ 

WESLEY CHAPEL; CINCINNATI. 245 

wept as He talked of the state of his feelings. For a 
little season my frail body seemed to sink, and I was as 
cold apparently as if the vital spark had fledj but on a 
sudden the power of the Most High overshadowed me; 
mj whole frame shook as if I had been seized with a 
severe fit of the ague. This feeling was of but short 
continuance; the Holy Grhost resuscitated my feeble 
frame and filled my soul unutterably full of glory and of 
God. My physical powers were strengthened in a most 
wonderful manner, and I shouted aloud for joy upon my 
bed. For a short time I was perfectly overwhelmed with 
a sense of the power and majesty of Jehovah. At times 
it seemed to me as if the frail casket would break and my 
disinthralled spirit 

"Return on swiftest wing" 
to mingle with the ^'blood-washed'^ before the throne. 
I cried out in the fullness of my soul, ^'0, yes, it is done! 
I am my Lord's, and he is mine — forever, forever, for 
evermore! Brother C, the 'record' is at last made — 
the great transaction is finished — I am now the Lord's, and 
he is mine! Blessed be the name of the Lord from this 
time henceforth and forever. Amen, and amen." I then 
thought of a dream which the Bev. L. L. H. had con- 
cerning me, a few nights previous, that seemed to have 
made a deep impression on his own heart. He stated 
that in his dream he saw me ''die suddenly while stand- 
ing in the altar at Wesley Chapel." Beferring to his 
dream, in my ecstasy I exclaimed, "0 yes, brother H., I 
am indeed dying — yea, I am now dead — but I am dying 
unto sin. Grlory, halleluiah ! Amen. I now reckon my- 
self dead unto sin, but alive unto God. The dead praise 
him not, but the living shall praise him as I do this day. 

' I'll praise my Maker while I've breath, 
And when my voice is lost in death, 
Praise shall my nobler powers employ 
In that eternal world of joy.' " 



246 rooT-pRiNTS of an itinerant. 

All my bodily weaknesses were overcome, and I felt 

" Strong in the strength which God supplies 
Through his eternal Son." 

All language utterly fails to convey to the reader any 
adequate idea of the power felt within me. It did seem 
to me that I had power and compass of voice to arouse 
the city of Cincinnati — ^yea, even a slumbering world; 

" To hid their hearts rejoice 
In Him who died for all." 

But after shouting aloud and praising God for a consid 
erable time, I became anxious that all the household should 
share of my joy and cup of blessedness. I then called to 
brother S., who slept in an adjoining room, to come in 
and hear '^what great things the Lord had done for me." 
His aged mother entered my room first, and after shaking 
my hand, kindly remarked that I must not think of get- 
ting up till she had roused up the fire in the grate, which 
was almost, if not quite, extinguished. I now distinctly 
recollect, that in the simplicity of my heart I remarked 
as follows: ^^0, never mind, my dear mother W., there 
is fire enough in my soul just now to keep us all warm. 
Gro and get your son T. to come in and seek the Savior." 
It was not long till her son and his wife arose and dressed 
themselves. They entered my room together, weeping 
as they came. I called brother S. to the side of my bed 
and told him to kneel down. I had faith to believe that 
Grod would convert him that very night. I then remind- 
ed him of the promise I had made him when I came to 
board in his family — to pray for him once each day till 
he should be made a partaker of like precious faith with 
myself I then told him that this was the accepted 
time and the day of salvation." After which his heart 
melted like wax before the fire, and he fell upon his knee? 
and cried aloud for God to have mercy upon him. In the 



"WESLEY CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 247 

mean time tlie Rev. A. C. arose and dressed himself, but 
seemed to be so filled and overwbelmed with a sense of 
the presence of Grod that he was rendered unable either 
to sing or pray. The wife of brother S.; after shouting 
awhile, fell prostrate and helpless on the floor by the side 
of her husband. I still continued at intervals shouting 
and praising Grod. The servant girl also came in and 
began to pray for pardoning mercy. The scene was one 
of great moral sublimity. The room was filled with the 
power and glory of God in a most extraordinary manner. 
I asked brother C. to pray for those who were seeking 
Christ. He replied, ^'I feel so overwhelmed with a sense 
of the Divine glory and my own unworthiness that I want 
you or some one to pray for me. 0/' said he, ^^I feel so 
humbled that I would be glad to have the poorest African 
pray for me." I then arose from my bed, put on my 
clothing and my cloak, and started down stairs. Mother 
W. followed me and caught hold of my cloak, and said, 
^^My dear child, where are you going? I am not willing 
for you to leave your room.'' I calmly replied, ^^Do not 
be alarmed, I am not ^beside myself;' I feel perfectly 
calm and collected, as much so as I ever did in all my 
life. Let me go; I will soon return again. Go and pray 
for your son, and leave me in the hands of God." I went 
up street to the house of brother A., and after awaking 
him from his midnight slumbers, informed him that I 
wished him to come to my room and pray for brother S. 
He very cordially assented, and I immediately returned. 
It was not long till brother A. came, according to promise, 
and as soon as he entered the room I requested him to 
pray for brother S. We all kneeled before the Lord, our 
Maker, and poured out our fervent prayers in behalf of 
the weeping mourner. Glory be to God, we did not 
agonize long; the voice of deliverance came, the cry of 
anguish ceased, and the weeping son lay quiet in the 



248 rooT-PRiNTs or an itinerant. 

arms of liis aged mother. In a few moments lie opened 
his eyes and smiled sweetly; then gently whispered, 
Glory, glory, halleluiah! I have found the Savior. 0, 
my dear wife and mother, do help me to praise him,'' 
He then proceeded to remark as follows, with childlike 
simplicity: ^^0, mother, mother, how I am disappointed 
at last!*" ^^Why or how are you so disappointed? My 
dear child, what do you mean ? Are you not happy in the 
Savior? Has not Christ pardoned all your sins?'' "0, 
yes, yes," was the prompt and satisfactory reply. ^^But 
then," said brother S., mother, I will explain to you 
what I mean. I always thought previously, that if I was 
ever changed in heart, or converted to God, it would come 
suddenly, like an electric shock, a mighty torrent, or 
heavy shower of rain, overwhelming j in a moment, the 
powers of my soul; but 0, now it comes like the gentle 
refreshing dew, distilling heavenly sweetness into my poor 
heart!" And then with a countenance beaming with 
seraphic joy he clapped his hands and exclaimed with 
an exulting spirit, "0 do you not all feel it! ^It is like 
the dews of Hermon,' where the Lord commanded his 
blessing, even life forever. I feel that it is settling 
down, down, down into the very depths of my poor soul- 
filling me with joy and gladness ! how rich, how full, 
how free! ^sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.' 
Glory to God in the highest, I will praise him ! though 
I now feel 

' Tongue can not express 
The sweet comfort and peace 
Of a soul in its earliest love.' " 

Brother S. is still steadfast, immovable, always abound- 
ing in the work of the Lord. He is a trustee and stew- 
ard at Wesley Chapel. Up to the period of which I am 
now speaking he had lived an utter stranger to a change of 
heart. Four years previously he had connected himself 



WESLEY CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 249 

with the Church. He took this important step at the 
request of a dying brother. His mother was a deeply- 
pious woman, and has since gone to her reward in the 
skies. His brother Morris, who has also joined the num- 
ber of the finally saved, was one of the most devoted and 
fervent followers of the Lamb that I have ever known. 

That was a memorable night; one that shall never be 
forgotten. It was a special blessing sent to prepare me 
to stand a severe ^Hrial of my faith." It also prepared 
me to preach the Grospel more successfully than I had 
ever done before. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

EXTRACTS PROM MY DIARY AT WESLEY 
CHAPEL. 

Four days after God so signally manifested himself to 
my soul, I find the following record in my diary under 
date of December 9, 1839 : 

Yesterday — Sabbath — was a day of peace and untold 
joy to my poor soul — had the pleasure of preaching 
again to the people of M'Kendree charge, where I was 
stationed last year. Sermon from these words : And to 
know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that 
ye might be filled with all the fullness of God,'' etc. It 
was a melting time. I felt the power of God resting 
upon me; I had great liberty and boldness of speech. 

December 10. — Yesterday I enjoyed much of the Di- 
vine presence in the class-room, by the bedside of the 
sick, and in attending on other means of grace. This 
morning I feel that all is calm — no douhty no fears, no 
gloom. My confidence in God is unwavering. It appears 
as if I had been sleeping all my life, and had just awak- 



250 FOOT-PRINTS OJP AN ITINERANT. 

ened to behold the unobstructed rays of a summer's 
morning. 

*' may I ever walk in Him, 
And nothhig know beside ; 
Nothing desire, nothing esteem. 
But Jesus crucified!" 

December 13^ 1839. — Since last night week I have en- 
joyed more of the love of Grod than I ever have done 
before. My peace is constant; ^'God is love.'' I know 
that I am his by sacred ties. I feel that because ^^he 
lives I shall live also." This day four years ago I left 
Brush Creek Forge and all my friends to preach the 
^^Lamb of Grod for sinners slain." how little advance- 
ment I have made in divine things ! This day I renew 
my covenant. Lord give me greater success in declar- 
ing thy truth ! When I look upon the past I feel aston- 
ished that such a worm as I has ever been used by Grod 
to spread the Savior's precious name. I have enlisted" 
many hundreds of soldiers for Jesus. that I may yet 
live to enlist thousands more ! Lord; give me many 
souls in Cincinnati ! Why am I here if not to win souls 
for thee? 

December 18. — Last Sabbath was a pleasant day to my 
soul. Preached in the morning at Asbury Chapel and 
attended sacrament at Foui'th-street at 3 o'clock, P. M. 
Last night we had a precious season at Wesley Chapel. 
Nine were converted and nine added to the Church. The 
preachers were all very happy, and many of God's dear 
children shouted aloud for joy. Our prospects are grow- 
ing brighter and brighter. that God may visit Cin- 
cinnati this winter in a most gracious manner ! 

December 30. — Last week Satan thrust sorely at mo 
and afflicted my soulf' but, thank God! I obtained a 
glorious victory. Yesterday was a day of great peace 
and glory. God is still reviving his work in Weslej 



WESLEY CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 251 

Chapel j sinners are coming home to God, and my ^^soul 
is on the wing'' for glory. 

January 1, 1840. — This morning I feel happy in Grod, 
and more like living to promote the interests of the cross 
of Christ than ever before. Last night we " watched 
out the old year at Wesley Chapel. It was the most 
solemn time I ever witnessed; twenty united with the 
Church, and more than tioo hundred asked the prayers of 
the people of Grod. The Lord is now powerfully reviv- 
ing his work. I want to be more useful. Lord, make 
me a ^'polished shaft!'' that this year may all be 
spent in glorifying God ! 

January 6. — It is now one month since I dedicated 
myself to God and recorded it with my own hand. I feel 
more than ever like living for God. I believe many sore 
trials await me, but I am also persuaded that grace divine 
will always give me support and consolation in them all. 
"Fear not, I am with thee; I am thy God; I will help 
thee. Yea, I will uphold thee." 

February 9. — I was not mistaken in supposing that 
'^sore trials" awaited me when I last wrote in this diary. 
I have recently passed through some sore and fiery trials. 
Of late "Satan has desired to sift me as wheat." At 
times I have viewed myself as standing on some high 
eminence or tower, exposed to Satan's shafts from every 
point of the compass ; but blessed be God ! " who always 
causeth us to triumph," I feel like the "bird rescued 
from the snare of the fowler." This Sabbath evening 
ray soul rejoices in God my Savior. 

The following extracts from a communication, which I 
wrote for the Western Christian Advocate, will give the 
reader an idea of the extent of the revival at Wesley 
Chapel at this period : 

Eastern Chaege, Cikcinkati, 0., Jan. 27, 1840. 
We commenced the labors of this conference year 



252 FOOT -PRINTS OF AX ITINERANT. 

praying for a most gracious ontpouring of the Holy 
Spirit. Our congregation increased at every coming to- 
getlier, and a goodly number began to inquire, 3Ien 
and brethren, what shall we do to be saved?'' About the 
first of December our beloved brother, the Rev. J X. 
Maffit, came among us in the name of his Master, de- 
termined to labor some weeks in our city for the good of 
souls. For seven weeks God has given proof that his 
indefatigable labors have not been in vain. Thousands 
upon thousands have attended his ministry, and there 
has been a general waking up and rallying around the 
cross. The altar is crowded night after night, and souls 
are awakened and converted at every coming together. 
In this revival whole families, husbands and wives, par- 
ents and children, have been brought into the Church. 
On the 10th and 11th of January our second quarterly 
meeting was held for this station. Our beloved Christie 
was with us, and proclaimed the message of mercy to the 
people with eloquence and power. Our love-feast may 
well be called the " Centenary Mammoth Love-FeastJ' 
Every seat in our large and spacious Chapel, above and 
below, was crowded at an early hour. It was indeed a 
feast of love; a night of glory and salvation. Fifty- 
seven joined the Church, making in all, on trial and by 
letter, over eight hundred this year. On Tuesday night 
we held a sacramental meeting. A more solemn and 
interesting scene was never witnessed. Nearly one thou- 
sand partook of the broken body and shed blood of the 
Son of God. It was a night long to be remembered on 
earth, and will not be forgotten in heaven. This gracious 
work, which first commenced in Wesley, is spreading all 
over the city, and many are turning to the Lord also in 
the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches. 

E. W. Sehon, 
Maxwell P. CtAddis. 



WESLEY CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 253 

P. S. There is also a glorious work in New-Street 
among our colored friends. Upward of sixty added last 
week. E. W. S. 

M. P. a. 

February 18. — I am now in Ripley, Ohio. I came 
here to hear a funeral sermon from Kev. Joseph M. Trim- 
ble, D. D., on the death of my dear mother, who departed 
this life November 10, 1839. His text was founded on 
these beautiful words, "Whosoever liveth and believeth 
in me shall never die." It was truly an eloquent and 
appropriate sermon, and will never be forgotten by those 
who heard it. I know my mother is shining among the 
redeemed in that bright world, where the inhabitants are 
free from disease and death. Mother, I will never forget 
:hee. Thy memory is sweet. "Peace to thy ashes.'^ 

" My mother ! my mother ! thoughts of thee 
Come o'er my spirit like the dews of heaven 
Upon the fading flowers. Best beloved of all, 
The dear departed ! To thy child thine image 
Eises in thy mournful sweetness 
And touching beauty fading from the earth. 
I hear thy voice as when I knelt before thee, 
And thou didst lay thy hand upon my head, 
And raise thy tearful eye to heaven in prayer 
To Him who, though the mother leave her child, 
Will not forsake the orphan. Thy full 
Soul was poured in supplication, dying saint. 
Wert thou not here ? Surely thou wert. By Him 
Who, loving thee, hath called thee to himself! 
Surely thou wert ; even now that voice of prayer 
Is floating round me, breathing hope and peace. 
Thy God has been my God, thy trust my trust ; 
His goodness faileth not. may he grant 
That yet the mother, with her children, may 
Bow to worship Him, the merciful, the 
Good, the faithful friend of sinners, 
In that bright temple where no tone of sorrow 
Is mingling in the raptui'ous burst of praise !" 

In the month of March I was called to preach the 
funeral sermon of Doctor Bragdon, a son-in-law of the 



264 rooT-PRiNTS of an itinerant. 

late Rev. John Collins, the particulars of which are 
related in the next chapter. 



CHAPTER XXXYIII. 

FUNERAL SERMON OF E. BRAGDON, M. T. 

Early in the spring a messenger called upon me to 
attend the funeral of Dr. E. Bragdon, son-in-law of the 
late venerable John Collins, of the Ohio conference.. 
The residence of the deceased was about eleven miles 
distant from the city, on the east side of the Little 
Miami river. The burial was to take place at Salem 
Chapel, in what is called the M'Cormick settlement. 
The corpse was to be brought to the church, and the 
funeral service to take place at 11 o'clock, A. M. As I 
had received notice on Friday, I had all the time which 
I desired to make the necessary preparation. I selected 
a text and took the greater part of Saturday in studying 
and arranging my funeral discourse. From the character 
of Doctor Bragdon, and his connection with the family 
of father Collins, and the funeral to take place on the 
Sabbath in the country, I knew would bring together a 
very large concourse of people. I felt it to be my im- 
perative duty to go well prepared, so as to make the occa- 
sion one of profit to all who might attend. 

A carriage was to call for me early on Sabbath morning 
and convey me to the place appointed for the services. I 
spent a restless, feverish night; an unusual sense of my 
responsibility rested heavily upon my soul. The morn- 
ing dawned, and after an early breakfast I started to the 
funeral. We soon reached the place in safety and stop- 
ped at the house of brother John Mears, contiguous to 
the church. My mind was very much occupied in study- 



FUNERAL OF E. BRAGDON, M. D. 255 

ing the sermon whicli I liad prepared, till about an hour 
before the time fixed upon for the services, when a 
stranger came into the room and inquired if the messen- 
ger who went to the city to invite me to preach the sermon , 
gave me the text. I replied, " No, what do you mean ? 
I am at a loss to understand you.'^ He explained by re- 
marking, that a few moments before the Doctor died he 
asked his wife to bring him the New Testament, and he 
would show her the passage of Scripture from which he 
desired his funeral sermon should be preached. I told 
him I had heard nothing about it, and asked him if he 
would please tell me where it was. He remarked that he 
thought he could find the chapter, but did not know what 
verse. I looked over the one he showed me, but could 
not discover any thing from which I had ever preached 
or thought I could preach. No language could ever de- 
scribe my perturbation of mind at this unexpected intel- 
ligence. I made inquiry of the family and of all who 
came in, but none could give me the text. 

From the first announcement, however, I felt satisfied 
in my own mind that it was not the one I had been 
studying with so much care the day and night previous. 
Time passed away apparently as quick as thought, till at 
length it was announced that the procession was in sight, 
and would arrive in about thirty minutes, at which time 
a gentleman came in, who informed me where the text 
was to be found, and the wish of the deceased and his 
friends that I should preach from that one and nothing 
else. He seemed to be greatly surprised that the "mes- 
senger" sent to the city did not give me this intelligence 
on Friday evening. The dilemma into which I was 
brought can be better imagined than described. I had 
never preached from the text, and had now no time to 
make any preparation. Not to preach from it would be 
a great disappointment to the friends of the deceased. 



25G rooT-PRiNTs of an itinerant. 

To Bay to the congregation that I had no time to prepare, 
and, therefore, must speak from the one I had previously 
selected, would be an acknoicUdgment that a Methodist 
minister never was willing to make. To take the text 
and preach without any preparation,^' and fail to meet 
the wishes of the people, would also be very humiliating. 
I walked the floor in a state of deep mental agony. As 
I "had no time for study, I resolved to go into the next 
room and spend the remainder of the time in prayer for 
Divine direction and assistance. I closed the door with 
the Bible in my hand and the text selected by the dying 
man before my eyes. I fell upon my knees and wept and 
cried to Grod for help in this the time of need. Then to 
my great relief I thought of a dream which I had on 
the previous night, which made such a deep impression 
on my mind, but in the excitement of the funeral occa- 
sion had been entirely lost sight of. As soon as it came 
to my mind, I said, That is just what I wanted. I will 
throw myself off into the stream and trust to Grod." I 
ceased to pray, and arose from my knees and said, That 
is it, my blessed blaster; I will trust and not be afraid." 

My dream was as follows : I thought I had started on 
a journey in company with others. We traveled on to- 
gether pleasantly for some time without meeting with 
any obstruction, when, on a sudden, we came in contact 
with a rapid stream, which looked turbid and very angry. 
"We were informed the water was too deep to cross at the 
regular ford, and to attempt it would be a forfeiture of 
our lives. I replied, ^'I am obliged to go over this stream, 
yea, I am obliged to cross it now." I then looked up and 
down the stream to see if there was any place that I 
might cross with more safety. At length I discovered a 
tree which seemed to project almost to the other shore. 
I told my companions I would go down and cross there. 
They laughed me to scorn, and said it was impossible. J 



rUNERAL OF E. BRAGDON, M. D. 



257 



Mien told them the second time I must cross the stream, 
and I could but try. I went to the place, removed 
my boots, and Talked with great caution out on the log. 
It was very slippery, and I found it very difficult to stand 
upon my feet. At length I arrived at the end of the 
trunk, and found it did not reach the shore by some 
twenty or thirty feet. I looked into the stream before 
me. The dark waters rolled swiftly by, threatening to 
devour me. But I was calm and undismayed, and said 
in an audible voice, '^Now, Lord, I have done all that I 
can ; I am obliged to cross this stream ; I will, therefore, 
throw myself into the current and trust in thine almighty 
arm to bring me in safety to the other shore." And 
suiting the action to the words I leaped into the dashing 
billows. To my great joy, when my feet touched the 
water, it was as clear as crystal, and only apparently 
about eighteen inches deep. I threw up my hands and 
clapped them for joy, and exclaimed, '^I am safe! I am 
safe ! is not this delightful V The water was so re- 
freshing I walked up the stream some distance before I 
went to the shore on the other side. When I ascended 
to the top of the bank. I looked back into the stream — 
the dark rolling flood had entirely disappeared and I dis- 
covered a great number of fishes thrown out upon its 
shores. 

This was my dream, and when it came to my mind 
again I discovered the hand of Grod in it all. I soon 
made a division of the text and started for the church 
to meet the funeral procession. As I walked along the 
tempter came to me and said, ^^What! presumptuous 
man, are you going to preach from that text, inexperi- 
enced as you are, and before such an intelligent congre- 
gation, without a timely preparation?'' I promptly re- 
sponded, ''Yes! Gret behind me thou 'accuser of the 
brethren.' I will this day 'throw myself off into the 



258 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

stream and trust in God.' This is a time of need, and 
man's extremity is Grod's opportunity. I know Grod will 
not forsake me; for it is written, ^It shall be given you 
in that hour what ye shall speak.' " 

The death of Doctor B. was universally regretted. He 
was greatly beloved by his friends and neighbors. For 
many years he had been in sentiment a Universalist, and 
had been very industrious to persuade others to embrace 
the same dangerous heresy; but about five years previous 
to his decease he was recovered out of the snare" of 
the devil and soundly converted to God, at a Methodist 
camp meeting. After his conversion he tried in every 
possible way, both in private and public, to undo the evil 
tendency of his example and counteract, as far as he 
could, the influence of his erroneous teachings. His 
death was calm and peaceful, and he made the selection 
of the text for his funeral sermon with reference to his 
former life and the wonderful mercy of God in his salva- 
tion. These facts were generally known, and it had 
attracted many to the house of God that seldom attended. 
Indeed, I was afterward informed that there were some 
persons present on that occasion who had not heard a 
Gospel sermon for ten years before. After singing and 
prayer I arose and announced the text, which was as fol- 
lows: ^^This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accept- 
ation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sin- 
ners, of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy i, 15. I remem- 
ber that I commenced by simply remarking, that I had 
no doubt but that I would have the attention, prayers, 
and sympathy of the people of God, and perhaps of the 
whole congregation, when I informed them the text was 
one from which I had never preached, and that I now 
stood before them without any previous preparation, hav- 
ing learned only about twenty-five or thirty minutes since 
that I was expected to preach from these beautiful words ; 



FUNERAL or E. BRAGDON, M. D. 



259 



but as tlie cold remains of him wlio had made this appro- 
priate selection now lay before me in the altar, I would 
try to comply with his last dying request in the best way 
and manner that I could. I proceeded to speak of the 
worthiness of this salvation, and offered many reasons 
why we should all accept it. I had spoken but a few 
minutes when I began to feel the power of the Most High 
to overshadow me in a most wonderful manner. What I 
said after this, or the peculiar manner in which I said it, 
I have no recollection, but the spirit of awakening power 
seized the impenitent, and there was an extraordinary 
shaking among the dry bones'^ in the congregation. 
The voice of Him who once said, Young man, I say unto 
thee, arise ! was now speaking through his word to the 
hearts of sinners with convincing energy. Tears and 
sighs filled the house. I then exhorted all present to 
accept of this salvation before the '^Master should rise up 
and shut to the door,'' and closed by expressing the hope 
that every one of us, when called to die, might be able to 
select this portion of the word of God as applicable to 
our own case — " to save sinners, of whom I am chief," or 
sing, as did Mr. Wesley, 

"I the cMef of sinners am, 
But Jesus died for me." 

The services closed by singing, as the corpse was carried 
out of the church for interment, 

" Why do we mourn for dying friends, 
Or shake at death's alarms? 
'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends 
To call them to his arms." 

The day on which I preached that sermon was the reg- 
ular appointment of the circuit preacher. On hearing of 
the funeral he sent word that he would not be present, 
but would preach at some other place that day, and 



260 POOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT, 

requested that I should give out an appointment for him 
in the same church on the following Monday evening. 
On coming to his appointment he found an unusually 
large congregation in attendance^ and great solemnity 
rested on every face. He preached with much liberty 
and power, and felt constrained by the Spirit to invite 
seekers of religion to come to the altar for prayers. To 
his great surprise some twenty or thirty rushed to the 
altar of prayer. Many were converted on that evening, 
and the meeting was protracted for a number of days 
The following extract from a letter I received shortly 
after the beginning of this meeting, will throw some light 
upon this interesting subject: 

"March 27, 1840. 

"Dear Brother G-addis, — Allow me to say, without 
any design to flatter, that God, in infinite goodness and 
mercy, has deigned to pour out his Spirit on M'Cormick's 
settlement, in Salem Chapel. Those dry and sterile lands 
of Zion have been refreshed by glorious showers of heav- 
enly rain; and this joyful reformation was brought about 
by your energetic preaching. You will remember that on 
last Sunday week, you preached for them at Salem Chapel 
a funeral discourse on the death of Doctor Bragdon. 
Since that time the whole country round about appears 
to have been awakened from their lethargy and sin. The 
farmers leave their plows and fields of labor, and flock to 
the house of the Lord. They keep up meeting almost 
every night, and sometimes during the day. About 
twenty have united with the Church. But I will not give 
you the particulars of the meeting. You must make 
haste and come down, and go and see for yourself. We 
received the glad intelligence to-day from a gentleman 
who came directly from the meeting. The people out 
there have sent special word for you to cgme and help 
them immediately." 



FUNERAL OF E. BRAGDON, M. D, 261 

This letter^ whicli contained many more words of kind- 
ness, reached me some fifty miles distant, while on a visit 
among my friends; but I soon bade them all adieu, and 
retraced my footsteps to the scene of battle. I reached 
there on Thursday night, and found the work still pro- 
gressing. Father Collins was there, to work and rejoice. 
I tried to preach as best I could, and when I saw the 
grace of Grod I was glad. 0, how it rejoiced my heart to 
learn that many of the new converts dated their awaken- 
ing from my feeble, unstudied sermon at the funeral of 
Doctor Bragdon. 

About sixty were converted before the meeting closed, 
and many of them added to the visible Church. As I 
stood in their midst I thought I could clearly discern the 
overruling hand of God in all the circumstances connect- 
ed with the death and funeral services of that child of 
Grod, whose cold remains were sleeping near the church, 
but whose voice was still sounding in the ears of the liv- 
ing, ^'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accept- 
ation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sin- 
ners, of whom I am chief." And as we rejoiced over the 
young convert and tasted of the healing waters of life," 
I cried out, as I did in my dream, when standing in the 
stream, *^0, is this not delightful!" the number of con- 
verts a fit representation of the fishes discovered along 
the shore after the dark waters had all rolled by. Be 
this as it may, the circumstances, taken altogether, made 
an impression on my mind that time will never efface. 



262 POOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

MAPPITT'S letters A VISIT TO BALTI- 
MORE. 

Rev. John Newland Mafeitt, after laboring with us 
for more tlian two months, left us, to preach for a little 
season at Maysville; Kentucky. God signally blessed his 
ministry, and many were converted. The two following 
letters, so characteristic of his warm and generous heart, 
will, no doubt, be read with interest by his admirers : 

" Maysville, Kentucky, Thursday. 

" My Beloved Brother, — The battle goes on bravely; 
over fifty have joined since my arrival, and a great ex- 
citement prevails in the city. The Mayor and many of 
the first citizens have come out on the Lord's side, and 
joined our Church. Halleluiah ! I rejoice that you are 
not giving one inch of ground to the enemy; I hope you 
never will. Every thing depends upon the steady and 
onward movement of ImmanueFs army. I think of you 
frequently, and I hope you will be greatly successful in 
pushing the battle to the gate and beyond it. We 
know not what we can do till we attempt it; we lose 
much by fearing to attempt. Set your mark high; no 
matter if men laugh at your daring, you will not fall 
far short of it. Much land lies beyond, and it should be 
all taken for the Lord. I owe much to you and brother 
Sehon. I have not much in like to pay the debt, but 
what I have I give you with a willing heart and open 
hand. I wish you to write to me frequently and fully; 
it would give me great pleasure to hear from you. Grive 
my love to all my dear friends, especially brother Sharp 
and the Hoppers. Tell father Walls there is a letter in 



MAFiriTT^S LETTERS — A VISIT. 263 



the post-office for him. Father Collins is in a blaze of 
glory ! Pray for us. Drive the battle ! Halleluiah ! 
"Your own, dearly in Jesus, 

"J. N. Maffitt.'' 

•* Matsville, Feb. 17, . 

"My Beloved Gr., — Your kind, affectionate, and inter- 
esting epistle, just received, is before me. I thank you 
for the expressions of your deep regard, and duly recip- 
rocate them, with any addition you may please to make. 
I feel, as you know we Irishmen always do, when love is 
the subject, half crazy. Now, I love brother Gladdis 
just as much as I ought to love any man, perhaps a little 
^bit' more.. Your last I answered instanter, and won- 
dered at receiving no reply. 

"Now, as it regards my return, it will be but for a 
day or two. I believe my work to be done in Cincinnati; 
and as you have got along so triumphantly, so well 
without me — for which I am more than glad — you will, 
of course, need me no more in the battle. There are 
other portions of the vineyard barren and need tilling, 
and to those the old laborer must go. I am very sad- 
hearted, though I have been sustained here and hlest 
beyond all precedent. Nearly three hundred have joined, 
among them the first as well as the hardest cases in the 
city. At present I can not leave. It would be a dan- 
gerous expedient, as the ' camels ' are not coming, but 
have come, and there is trouble in the camp. Water ! 
water ! is their cry, and there is danger that they will 
put out the fire. 

" I think I will be in Cincinnati next week, but not to 
stay. I wrote to brother Sehon last week, and before j 
but I do not blame him now for not answering my let- 
ters. I know he is worn out in the battle. Grod bless 
and prosper you both ! is my constant prayer. Write mo 



264 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT 

again. You must not expect me to remain in Cincin- 
nati ; it will not do, much as I love my friends. 1 must 
take my staff and travel on. 

"Your own brother in Jesus, 

" Jno. N. Maffitt." 

With the opening of spring my health was very poor. 
After advising with my friends, I resolved to go east, 
and visit an uncle at Frankford, Pennsylvania, and my 
eldest brother, who resided in the state of Delaware. 1 
find the following brief record in my journal when under 
way: 

Steam-boat William Penn, April 7, 1840. 

This day five years ago I buried my dear father^ 
and, on the tenth day of last October, my affectionate 
mother. Surely, " I am the man that hath seen affliction 
by the rod of his wrath.^' But, 0, how sweet the thought 
that these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, 
worketh out for me a far more exceeding and eternal 
weight of glory ! Farewell, for a season, to the Queen 
of the West!'' 

Nothing worthy of note occurred till after we passed 
Hollidaysburg. While moving slowly along the canal, 
on Saturday, the Eev. L. L. H., with whom I was trav- 
eling, inquired of the captain if we would be able to 
reach Harrisburg before the Sabbath. He answered, 
"No." "Well, then,'' said brother H, "you may put 
me, and my wife, and brother Graddis out at some little 
town on Saturday evening ; for we have all made up our 
minds not to travel on the Sabbath day." The captain 
replied he was sorry that we had concluded to leave him. 
"I will give you the privilege," said he, "of praying and 
preaching as often as you please, if you will not leave my 
boat." Brother H. replied, "I will gladly comply, pro- 
vided you will tie up your packet, and let your work- 



maffitt's letters 



— A VISIT . 



265 



hands and horses rest on God's holy day." Well, sir/' 
continued our gentlemanly captain, ^^my employers will 
not allow me to do so, or I would gladly comply with your 
conditions, in order to have the pleasure of hearing you 
preach/' Here the conversation ended. Late on Sat- 
urday evening a heavy rain-storm passed over us, and we 
could not go ashore; but, early on Sabbath morning, 
we came in sight of a lovely village on the waters of the 
Juniata. Here we landed, and took up lodgings at a 
hotel near the bridge. Immediately after breakfast I 
went out to hunt for a Methodist church, or some place 
of preaching. It was not long till I found a Methodist 
brother, who cheerfully invited us to occupy their pulpit 
as often as we wished, -and he would invite the citizens 
to attend. The news soon spread rapidly that brother 
H., one of the delegates to the General conference, at 
Baltimore, and editor of the Ladies' Repository, would 
preach in the Methodist Episcopal church at 11 o'clock, 
A. M. The house was crowded in the morning, and also 
at 3 o'clock, P. M., and at night. Brother H. preached 
twice, and also attended the funeral of a child. I tried 
to preach once during the day. I have no doubt we 
sowed some ^^good seed" on that day, that maybe "gath- 
ered many days hence." It was a happy and peaceful 
day to my soul. 

I will here state, for the encouragement of all who 
desire to "sanctify the Sabbath day, and keep it holy," 
that, about daylight the next morning, we got on board 
another swift passenger-packet, and reached Harrisburg 
in time to take the same train of cars in company with 
our fellow-passengers who had traveled on the Sahhath 
day. I spent the next Sabbath in Frankford, Pennsyl- 
vania, with my uncle, David Frazier. I preached for 
brother T., in the Methodist Episcopal church, at 11 
o'clock, A. M. I had a good time. I reached the house 
23 



266 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

of my brother Robert^ in Delaware, April 26, 1840. I 
had not seen him for more than twenty-five years. I 
was quite a small child when he left home. My feelings 
on meeting him were indescribable; I was so overpowered 
that I was compelled to leave the room. As soon as I 
returned, and my brother acquired his self-possession, he 
remarked, "Our father and mother are both dead;'' and 
then lifted up his voice and wept aloud, saying, "Would 
to God I could have been permitted to see them again, 
especially my dear mother, who suffered so much in mind 
during my term of service in the war with Great Britain ! 
The will of the Lord be done ; I will try and meet them 
in heaven !" I was deeply affected by the recital of his 
sufferings and privations during his five years' term of 
service in the army of the United States. 

The following brief extract, from my journal, will show 
the state of my mind at this period : 

GREEif-HiLL CJoTTAGE, state of Delaware, April 29, 1840. 

I am now at the residence of my eldest brother, 
Robert, who joined the army of the United States on the 
13th of August, 1812, and served as a private in Captain 
M. Swett's company of the United States corps of artil- 
lery for two years, and three years in a company of Uni- 
ted States light-dragoons. When he left home, twenty- 
eight years ago, he was young and sprightly, now a 
venerable and gray-headed man. He is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

I am now, as oftentimes before, a wonder to myself; 
my past history a strange and checkered one; but God 
has led me again into a plain path by his " rod.^* I thrive 
best under affliction ; I feel that I am now growing in 
grace. I do not regret that, on the fifth day of last 
December, I made a solemn dedication, a record with 
my own hand, of soul and body to His service, whioh, to 



maffitt's letters 



— A VISIT. 



267 



me, has ever since been perfect freedom. This day / 
feel that Ood is love. I live by faith. Every moment, 
Lord, I. need the merit of thy death. 0, may I always 
walk in newness of life!'^ Then to ^^die will be gain.^' 
Health continues poor, but hope my journey will prove 
beneficial. 

I arrived in Baltimore on the eighth day of May, and 
was kindly entertained, during my sojourn of more than 
three weeks, in the family of W. James Dallam, Esq., a 
brother-in-law of the late Bishop Henshaw, and a son of 
Dr. Dallam, of Harford. I preached once in Light-Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church. My last Sabbath T spent 
in old Harford, with the relatives of my good host. 
While there I attended meeting at what is called the 
"old log meeting-house," venerable alike for its antiquity 
and early association with the fathers of Methodism in 
Maryland. Rev. Prettyman preached for us. I preached 
in the woods to a large concourse of people, near what is 
called Garrettson's meeting-house, and in sight of the 
place where the Bev. Freeborn Garrettson was born. I 
shall never forget that occasion. I felt strong in the 
Lord, and the "power of his might.'' Mr. Dallam, in 
writing to me, some time afterward, remarked, " I have 
paid frequent visits to Harford since I saw you. On one 
occasion I attended a meeting at ^ Ga.rretfson' s meeting- 
house.' We assembled in the ' grand old woods.' Rev. 
Mr. Prettyman was the preacher on that occasion. I 
took my seat on the same bench, and kneeled on the same 
spot that I did on that memorable occasion when you 
preached. You may imagine how forcibly yourself and 
the occurrences of that day were brought to my mind. 
While the preacher addressed us on the subject of ^ faith 
AND HOLINESS,' I felt peculiarly solemn, and a love for 
all mankind. The sermon was plain and evangelical. 
The minister was zealous, and I have no doubt deeply 



268 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

felt the importance of his subject, and desirous to im- 
press it upon the hearts of his hearers. I was at Dr. 
Dallam's a few days ago; himself and family enjoy good 
health, and desirous to be remembered to you. I am 
glad to learn that you are in better health and spirits 
than when you left us. I am also pleased to find that 
your visit to our city was gratifying, and hope you will 
be induced to repeat it ere long. I can assure you that 
your friends here will give you a hearty welcome, and 
none more sincere and cordial than your humble servant. 

"With my best wishes for your health and happiness, 
I remain, your friend, 

" W. James Dallam. 
"Baltimore, August 20, 1840." 

I was present at the great Whig convention that nomi- 
nated G-eneral William Henry Harrison for President. 
It was the largest concourse of people that I have ever 
seen. The procession was the most grand and imposing 
of any thing ever known in America. The next Sab- 
bath after the convention, I heard the Rev. Dr. Newton 
preach, in Monument Square, to more than ten thousand 
persons. It was a powerful sermon. 

On my return I visited Philadelphia, and preached 
once at Fourth-street for Dr. Kenneday, and the next 
Sabbath night at Saint Paul's. I also spent a Sabbath 
at Pittsburg, and preached once. These efi'orts, together 
with the fatigue of traveling, robbed me of all my 
little stock of strength. While at Baltimore I made 
the acquaintance of the Eev. W. M. D., of the Indi- 
ana f^onference. Like myself, he was traveling for the 
purpose of recruiting his health. He seemed to enter 
into my feelings, and we spent many happy hours to- 
gether. He suffered long before he was able to enter 
the effective ranks again. The following extract from 
one of his letters reveals how graciously God sustained 



MAFFITT'S letters — A VISIT. 269 

him in the time of need. He now occupies a com- 
manding position in the "Hoosier'^ state, as President 
of the Indiana State University, and is highly esteemed 
for his indefatigable labors. 

" Cottager's Glen, July \0, 1840. 

" My Dear Brother G-addis, — I know you will think, 
by this time, that I have forgotten you, because I have so 
long delayed writing you according to promise; but you 
will excuse me when I tell you that I have been con- 
fined to my bed almost ever since I arrived in the west. 
This, together with the affliction of my mother and 
father, has prevented me from writing till now. My 
mother is much better, but my father much worse; he 
is evidently near his grave with a decay, or consump- 
tion. My health is some better; I am not now spitting 
blood, but I am spitting a dark-colored clotted matter 
that I can not well describe. I think the result of my 
present affliction very far from being decided. I have 
determined to spend the remaining part of the summer 
here, with my afflicted parents, in the country, and do 
what I can for the improvement of my health. 

"I am now well prepared to enjoy solitude — two miles 
and a half from town, in a pleasant dale. Here we 
have few visitors, save the butterfly, the humming-bird, 
and the honey-bee. To be sure, the summer zephyr, a fa- 
miliar friend in every part of the land, is hourly passing 
by, and I am often ready to listen, to hear him whisper 
some kind message in my ear from some one of my 
many kind friends, scattered abroad through the land; 
but he tarries not — passes swiftly by, gently kissing the 
flowers in the vale, and then saluting the rustling corn 
on the plain. But stop; this is too romantic for me 
while sufi"ering so much of that which is real. 

" This, to me, is a time for serious reflection, as I con- 



270 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

sider myseif far from being out of danger. I feel re- 
signed to live or die. 

' 0, what is death ? Tis life's last shore, 
Where vanities are vain no more ; 
Where all pursuits their goal obtain, 
And life is all retouched again.' 

I am glad that my life has been spent in the toils, la- 
horSj d^udi pleasures of a Methodist preacher's work. I ask 
no happier portion than a lot with Methodist preachers 
in this life, and an inheritance on the fields of bright 
glory. With them I have been identified from my six- 
teenth year, and feel that I love them better than any 
other set of men on earth. I know I am unworthy, but 
trust, through grace, I have done some good in the serv- 
ice of the Church. I have only to regret that I have 
not been more careful of my health, and that I have not 
lived more holy; but 

* Jesus' blood avails for me.' 

My brother, pray for me; prayer is my medicine. ] 
expect to remain here till the first of September, then 
leave for conference if I am able to travel. Should my 
health improve sufficiently, I may visit Cincinnati before 
my return. Remember me affectionately to all the 
preachers of my acquaintance in your city. G-reet them 
all by name. 

'^In deep affliction, I am your most affectionate and 
truly-devoted brother in Christ.'^ 



CHAPTER XL. 

WESLEY CHAPEL — CLOSE OF MY FIRST YEAR 

Gincinnatij Wesley Chapel, September 17, 1840. — Dur- 
ing the past summer my health has been very poor ; 



WESLEY CHAPEL. 



271 



r can not conceal it that my constitution is shattered 
by the tormenting disease which has followed me for 
years — dyspepsia/' with all its horrors. At the close 
of our late camp meeting at Duck creek I was vio- 
lently attacked with intermittent fever, I was soon 
brought to the verge of the grave. But it hath pleased 
almighty God in infinite goodness to restore me so far 
that I am now able to ride out and visit my friends. 
I am not well enough to resume my duties in the pulpit, 
but; by the blessing of Grod, I hope I will soon be able 
to preach the ''Lamb for sinners slain." I hope in 
Grod I shall be more successful than ever in spreading 
the news of a full and free salvation wherever God in his 
providence may appoint my field of labor. During my 
late tour I have enjoyed almost uninterrupted peace and 
strong confidence in God, my heavenly Father, whose 
chastisements I have so richly deserved. I know that, in 
faithfulness to my soul, he has often used the "rod;^' 
by this means I have been driven nearer to my Savior's 
bleeding side. 0, how sweet the thought, "these light 
afflictions, which are but for a moment, worketh out for 
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 
The past conference year has been fraught with bless- 
ings and ladened down with goodness, yet to me it has 
been a year of deep oflictions, trials, hereavements, and 
sore temptations. How true it is that severe temptations 
oftentimes follow great blessings! It was immediately 
after "supper" that the disciples were called to a great 
trial of faith." During this past year I have also wit- 
nessed the greatest revival of religion that I have ever 
seen since I entered the ministry. In the midst of it I 
have often felt like exclaiming, "Now, Lord, lettest thou 
thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen 
thy salvation." 

At one of our quarterly meetings brother Sehon and 



272 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

myself ^^read into full connection" over five hundred, 
a larger number^ perhaps, than was ever received into 
full membership at any one time in America. To Goa 
be all the glory ! Amen. May they all prove faithful, 
and may I meet them in heaven ! 

September 23, 1840.— My colleague, Eev. E. W. Sehon, 
preached his farewell sermon on yesterday, from these 
appropriate words, ^^And yet there is room." It was an 
eloquent and powerful discourse. Many hearts were 
deeply affected under the word. We are to start for 
conference at Zanesville in a few days. In the after- 
noon I attended communion at the Third Presbyterian 
Church, of which Rev. Thornton W. Mills is pastor. I 
enjoyed myself very well. Three young converts were 
admitted, the eldest of whom was not more than twelve 
years of age. They were the fruits of the well-directed 
efforts of the pastor in the Sabbath school. This is a 
prosperous, growing society— they have much of the 
spirit of '^hrotJierly love.^^ 

I feel, within the last few days, that Grod is reviving 
his work in my soul. ^^The gift within me is stirred 
up." I feel a burning desire to be once more able to 
lift up the standard of the cross. Praise the Lord, 
my soul !" I think I will soon be restored so as to ena- 
ble me to speak in his name to poor sinners, who are 
wandering upon the dark mountains and stumbling into 
the gulf of perdition. 

"0, for a trumpet's voice 
On all the world to call, 
To bid their hearts rejoice 
In Him who died for all !" 

Zanesville, Ohio, Sabbath night, October 4, 1840. — I 
have just returned from Church, and before I retire to 
rest I wish to record the goodness of Grod to my soul 
this day. At eleven o'clock I had the privilege of hear- 



WESLEY CHAPEL. 



273 



ing Bishop Soule preacli an able discourse, from, Come 
unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will 
give you rest." At three o'clock, P. M., our presiding 
Bishop, Rev. Elijah Hedding, addressed us, from Acts 
XX, 28, ^^Take heed, then, unto yourselves and to all 
the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made 
you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath 
purchased with his own blood." The following is the 
plan of his sermon : 

I. The Church of God, styled the flock." 

II. The duty of those who have the oversight — Take 
heed to yourselves, and 'feed' the flock." 

III. The motive by which this duty is enforced — ^'Pur- 
chased with his own blood." 

This, the Bishop said, was 

1. An unexpected purchase. 

2. An undeserved purchase. 

3. Universal — ^'The whole world." 

4. Timely. 

5. Costly — Purchased with his own blood." 

The sermon was the most plain, appropriate, and ef- 
fective discourse that I ever heard on such an occasion. 
At the close of the service I was, with a number of 
others, ordained to elders' orders by Bishop Hedding. 
0, may I never forget the solemn promise which I made 
this day, "To do the work of an evangelist!" God grant 
that I may make full proof of my ministry, and finish my 
course with joy! Amen. 

I was returned to "Wesley Chapel with Rev. E. W. 
Sehon and Rev. Isaac Ebbert, D. D. Brother Sehon 
was a very popular and successful minister of Jesus 
Cnrist, and treated me with great kindness. Brother 
Ebbert was a "true yoke-fellow," fresh from the academic 
proves of Augusta. It was his first year in the Ohio 
conference. He was well received by the people gen- 



274 lOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

erally, and we had another year of peace and prosperity 
VTesley Chapel^ or the Eastern charge, as it was then 
called, was at this period the mammoth depot of Meth- 
odism for the Queen City. In the early part of the 
summer of 1841 the membership, including probation- 
ers, was over one thousand. At the close of that year, 
after deducting all the removals and deaths, we reported 
to conference nine hundred and twenty members. 



CHAPTEE XLI. 

WESLEY CHAPEL, SECOND TEAR. 

My second year at Wesley Chapel was a happy and 
prosperous one. The following extracts from my jour- 
nal will give the reader a history of my religious experi- 
ence and labors. That I might grow in grace and use- 
fulness I drew up the following resolutions : 

January 1, 1841. — 1. Resolved, By the grace of Grod 
assisting me, to be more holy during this year should my 
life be spared ; more serious in my conversation, so that 
I may be an example to the flock in word and doctrine." 

2. Resolved, To use prayer and fasting, or abstinence, 
more frequently; to read the Bible through in regular 
order as soon as possible; to preach more frequently, and 
^^not so long or loud'^ — holding up the Lord Jesus as a 
present Savior from all sin; to have prayers in every 
family that I am permitted to visit wherever it is prac- 
ticable. 

3. Resolved, To read every day, or, at least, once each 
week, the following dedication made of myself to God^ 
December 5, 1839 : 

Half-past ten o'clock on this, the evening of the fifth 
day of December, year of our Lord one thousand eight 



WESLEY CHAPEL, SECOND YEAR. 275 

hundred and thirty-nine — I dedicate my soul and body 
aneWj a living sacrifice unto Grod; and reckon myself in- 
deed dead to sin and alive to Grod, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord, from this time henceforth and forever, living 
or dying, to be the Lord^s. 

"My life and blood I here present, 
If for thy truth they may be spent." 

Maxwell P. Gtadbis. 

4. Resolvedy To read the rules of Discipline as often 
as possible, so that I may be a holy, humble^ and useful 
Methodist preacher. 

January 2. — Since the commencement of the new year 
I have enjoyed much of the Divine presence — health 
much improved. Grod is reviving his work in our midst. 
Upward of sixty souls added to the Church and many 
happily converted. The Church is waking up and put- 
ting on '^her beautiful garments." God is setting the 
captive free. 

" Lo, the promise of a shower 
Spreads o'er all the thirsty land." 

We are looking up and praying that God would "pour 
the mighty flood." Yesterday was a day of peace to my 
soul. I felt joyful in the house of God and the class- 
room. 

" for a heart to praise my God !" 

January 26. — Finished reading Doctor Peck on Chris- 
tian Perfection. I found it a blessing to my soul. He 
sets forth this doctrine in a clear and striking manner 
in extracts from the writings of Clarke, Fletcher, Wes- 
ley, and others. Lord grant that this doctrine may pre- 
vail in all the Churches of the saints ! 

January 28. — Last night I listened to an interesting 
sermon in our Church from Professor B., from Job xxxiii, 
27, 28. 



276 rooT-pRiNTs or an itinerant. 

I. The true character of sin — the perversion of that 
which is right, etc. 

II. The nature of true repentance — -'^I have sinned, ' 
in. The intimate connection between them and eter- 
nal life — he will deliver his soul from the pit " — the 
pit represents sin and its consequences. ^^And he shall 
see the light. 

It was a plain, searching, evangelical sermon. Several 
were converted before the meeting closed. Yesterday 
was a day of peace and holy joy to my soul, especially in 
the class-room. 

Friday morning. — This being the day set apart for 
"fasting and prayer'^ previous to our second quarterly 
meeting, I wish to get near the mercy-seat and hold com- 
munion with God. Blessed be his holy name, my peace 
flows like the beautiful, placid river. I feel that Christ 
Jesus is all and in all. Yesterday I had a sore trial — a 
severe conflict with the devil, who sometimes comes like 
a " roaring lion," but more frequently clothed as beauti- 
fully as '^an angel of light.'' God was my ^'refuge and 
strong tower. 

Wednesday, February 3. — Last Sabbath I preached at 
Asbury on '^presumptuous sins and secret faults." God 
was in our midst. On Sunday night Rev. Isaac Ebbert 
preached at Wesley from, Sing unto the Lord." Several 
were converted and fourteen joined the Church. Our 
love-feast on Monday night was one of unusual interest. 
The speaking was very good and the power of God at 
times signally manifested. God is carrying on his work 
in our city and many are turning to the Lord. The 
work, as yet, is confined to the Methodist Episcopal 
Churches. that it might soon spread into every Church 
throughout the entire city ! This morning I arose at 5 
o'clock, and found my mind calm and peaceful. Glory to 
God for the Christian religion ! 



WESLEY CHAPEL, SECOND YEAE. 277 

March 2. — Spent last week in the country at Goshen. 
Preaclied once and exhorted several times during their 
quarterly meeting, and delivered a lecture in the public 
school to the teachers and children. Enjoyed myself 
pretty well. Since my return I have experienced some 
very sore trials. I have been much harassed with the 
temptations of the devil. Thank Grod, I feel some better 
this morning ! Lord, bring me forth to the light, and 
cause me to rejoice all the day long with "exceeding 
great joy!" I feel the necessity of "a closer walk with 
God." My fondness for "creature good" has been too 
great. Lord, wean off my heart from the perishing 
things of this uncertain and fleeting world ! This after- 
noon the female class, of which I am leader, meets at 
brother William Neff's. Lord, meet with us and fill our 
hearts with the spirit of rejoicing! For the last few 
days the weather has been delightful. The singing of 
birds has again returned — God is about to renew the 
face of nature. that the buds and blossoms of grace 
may fully appear in my poor heart as the sure presage of 
the matured fruit ! 

" My earth thou waterest from on high, 
make it all a pool ! 
Spring up, well, I ever cry; 
Spring up Avithin my soul." 

March 5, 1841. — Weather cold and cloudy. During 
the past day I have enjoyed much peace and strong con- 
solation in drawing nigh to God. The power of the ad- 
versary is broken ] my soul is escaped as the bird out of 
the snare of the fowler. Glory be to God for his un- 
bounded loving-kindness manifested to his poor servant I 
"What shall I render to the Lord God for all his mer- 
cies !" "My heart is fixed" to do his will. Lord, what 
wilt thou have me to do ? " Here I am, send me." Only 
make me useful; I care not where I am so thou art glori- 



278 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

fied. I have commenced reading the travels of the late 
lamented Dr. Fisk. I find them very interesting. The 
description of his seasickness is very amusing. No 
wonder he desired never to cross the ocean but once 
more, to return to the bosom of his friends in America 
God permitted him to return, since which time he has 
performed a pleasant voyage'^ to the regions of immor- 
tality, and is now safely moored in the harbor of glory, 
no more to be "tossed on life's tempestuous sea.'' God 
grant that, like him, I may '^win the well-fought day," 
and enter that haven at last, 

" Where all the ship's company meet, 
Who have sailed with the Savior below I" 

March 16, 1841. — Weather continues changeable, cold, 
and blustering. I have experienced much of the good- 
ness of the Lord within the last ten days. God is the 
" refuge " of my soul. The devil roars and seeks still 
to devour me, but it is all in vain. Greater is he that is 
for me than all they that can be against me. 

" Sin, earth, and hell I now defy — 
I lean upon my Savior's breast." 

In regard to some things I still "walk in darkness and 
have no light," and, at times, I feel disquieted, wonder- 
ing why it is that God deals thus toward me. But from 
a review of all the past I feel to sink down into all his 
blessed will, and 

" Give to the winds my fears," 

believing it shall all work together for my good, 

" When fully he the work hath wrought 
That caused my needless fear." 

On last Wednesday night I had a good time at Wesley 
Chapel while trying to enforce the exhortation of Christ 
to his disciples, " Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, 



WESLEY CHAPEL, SECOND YEAR. 279 

that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these 
things, and to stand before the Son of man." On Sun- 
day evening last I preached from Isaiah xli, 21. While 
charging objectors to bring forth their strong reasons/^ 
the power of God appeared to rest upon the thousands 
present, who listened with profound attention. If good 
was done, to God be all the glory! 

" For this let men revile my name, 
No cross I shun, I fear no shame ; 
All hail, reproach ! and welcome pain, 
Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain." 

Urhana, Champaign county, March 27, 1841. — Left 
Cincinnati on last Thursday morning in the mail-coach, 
and passed through Lebanon, Dayton, and Springfield. I 
am now comfortably entertained at the house of my old 
and well-tried friend. Rev. William B. Christie, who is 
the present stationed minister in this place. Brother 
Christie is in very poor health — not able to labor much. 
I came here to assist him for a few weeks. I feel that I 
am under great obligations to him. I traveled in his 
district for four years. God has been graciously reviving 
his work among the people of his charge. Many have 
been converted already and over one hundred added to 
the Church, and I hope many more may be added during 
my stay. I feel more and more like giving myself up 
wholly to the work of the ministry. 

March 30. — While preaching here, on last Sabbath at 
11, A. M., I had great liberty and boldness of speech. 
It was a time of general weeping and rejoicing. Up- 
ward of thirty were baptized at the close of service, 
mostly young men and women. Up to the present time 
one hundred and twenty-four have been added to the 
Church, many of whom are promising young men. Ad- 
dressed the Sunday school at 3 o'clock, P. M., and felt so 
wearied that I did not go out to Church in the evening 



280 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

April 10. — Revival still in progress. Brother Christie 
not able to be with us. We have had several interesting 
meetings of late. Fifteen more added to the fold, mail- 
ing thirty-eight in all since my arrival. On yesterday I 
addressed a large congregation for more than one hour. 
If good was done, to Grod be all the glory ! The weather 
changes nearly every twenty-four hours. This is a lovely 
town, and one of the best Methodist Episcopal Churches 
that I have seen since I left Cincinnati. I am much in 
love with the whole community. An incident occurred 
last week that is worthy of record. A young gentleman, 
who had been absent from home on a visit to the west, 
returned recently. On meeting with some of his young 
associates, he soon found out that they had united with 
the Church and professed conversion. He then left 
them and went to visit another family of his acquaint- 
ance ; but what was his surprise, as soon as he was seated 
and the usual greetings over, the young ladies intro- 
duced the subject of religion and informed him that they 
had all joined the Church ! He was struck dumb and 
felt more disappointed than ever. In a short time he 
departed and started up into town to see an old comrade 
and intimate associate. But imagine his chagrin on 
meeting with him ! Mr. T. remarked, ^'Well, W. H., we 
are almost broke up; we called over the roll last night 
and there were but seven left, but now that you have 
returned I suppose we will still number eight." They 
conversed only a short time and parted. The next night 
I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. T. and his friend W. H. 
both at the altar of prayer. They were converted shortly 
afterward, and both are now happy in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, enjoying the evidence of pardon. 

On my return to Cincinnati, my health was very poor 
till the close of the year. 



WESLEY CHAPEL, SECOND YEAR. 281 



AN AFFECTING SCENE. 

THE LATE 6BNEEAL HABRISON AMONG THE MOURNEES AT WESLEY CHAPEL. 

In the midst of the mourners at Wesley Chapel I had 
the pleasure of meeting, every night for more than one 
week, the lamented President of the United States, the 
late Gen. William H. Harrison. I was struck with the 
deep interest he manifested in our altar exercises. He 
generally staid till a late hour, standing up during the 
singing, and in a lowly, kneeling posture in time of 
prayer for the penitents. On one occasion he spoke to 
me in the following deeply-affecting and interesting man- 
ner: "Brother Gaddis, I know there are some of my 
political opponents that will be ready to impugn my mo- 
tives in attending this revival meeting at this peculiar 
time, but I care not for the smiles or frowns of my fellow- 
men. God knows my heart and understands my mo- 
tives;" and then, laying his hand upon his breast, he 
exclaimed with much emotion and with a fervor that I 
shall never forget, "A deep and abiding sense of my in- 
ward spiritual necessities brings me to this hallowed place 
night after night." At the close of one of our meetings, 
while Kev. J. N. Maffitt was singing his favorite song, 
concluding with the chorus — 

" To die on the field of battle 
With glory in my soul," 

Gen. Harrison walked to the foot of the pulpit steps and 
reached out his hand, which was immediately grasped by 
brother M., while he continued to sing— 

" Old soldier, travel on ; 

I'll meet you in bright glory. 

To die on the field of battle," etc. 

The effect was electrical. The audience simultane- 
ously rose to their feet, while every eye was moistened 
with tears. 

24 



282 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

Anotlier little incident, illustrative of the character of 
this great patriot and invincible warrior, occurred near 
the close of this same meeting. After the benediction 
had been pronounced, and we were all retiring from the 
house, while the lights were still burning dimly, the 
General accosted me as follows: My dear sir, I have 
aught against you. You are not as friendly as the 
preachers generally have been, who have preceded you on 
North Bend circuit. You have been in our neighborhood 
two or three times, and yet you have never called to see 
me. Now, you know that when men get old they do not 
like to be neglected. I have always kept a ^prophet's 
chamber on the wall,' especially for the itinerants on 
North Bend circuit, and I often wonder why you do not 
call at my cabin." I replied, ^^Greneral, you are mistaken 
in the person." He then gave me a second look, and 

said, "0, I beg pardon; I thought it was Mr. , the 

junior preacher on our circuit. Well, I hope you will 
give him my kind regards, and tell him I shall expect a 
visit from him soon." 

THE FORCE OF TRUTH. 

Early one Monday morning, while sitting in the old 
"preachers' office" at Wesley Chapel, I noticed a well- 
dressed woman passing very hurriedly through the outer 
gate. She instantly entered the office without waiting to 
knock at the door. My colleague, Rev. E. W. Sehon, D. 
D., was writing a letter in the "old arm-chair," near the 
book-case. The unceremonious lady-visitor went up be- 
fore him and addressed him as follows: "Sir, why did 
you personate me in your sermon on yesterday morning?" 
My colleague arose, and in his usual happy manner re- 
quested her to be seated. Drawing her vail more closely 
over her face, she promptly refused, and continued to 
remark, "Sir, who informed you any thing concerning 



WESLEY CHAPEL, SECOND YEAR. 



283 



Ine? How dare you address me personally^ and expose 
my conduct in the public congregation?^^ Madam/' 
said brother 8., "I perceive you are highly excited; do 
please take a seat, and I will give you any satisfaction in 
my power." ^^I am much obliged to you/' was the reply. 
'^I am not 'excited' any more than yourself. I have 
come here to demand of you your authority for making 
such remarks relative to my character and conduct as you 
made in your sermon on yesterday morning. I again 
repeat the question, Sir, who told you any thing about 
me, and how dare you personate me in your discourse?" 
My colleague then candidly informed her that he did not 
know who she was, and that he had no recollection of 
ever having seen her before. " Of course, madam, I was 
not personating you in my remarks on yesterday, as I did 
not know any thing about you." She then became more 
calm and took a seat. Brother S. then inquired if his 
explanation was satisfactory. She nodded assent, and 
rising, bowed herself very politely out into the street again. 
I thought of the woman ''who went her way into the city, 
and said to the men, Come see a man which told me all 
things that I ever did; is not this the Christ?" My col- 
league assured me that he had preached a plain, practical, 
Gospel sermon on the occasion referred to. In this case 
we have a striking illustration of the power of the word of 
God, or the force of divine truth. St. J ames compares it 
to the "looking-glass," and St. Paul — in his address to the 
Hebrews, 4th chapter, 12th verse — declares that "the 
word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any 
two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder 
of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is 
a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." 

" Thy word, Almiglity Lord, 
Where'er it enters in, 
Is sharper than a two-edged sword, 
To slay the man of sin. 



284 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Thy word is power and life; 

It bids confusion cease, 
And changes envy, hatred, strife, 

To love, and joy, and peace." 

AN IMPOSTOR. 

Some time during the great revival at Wesley Chapel 
I noticed a good-looking young man talking to the mourn- 
ers in the altar. I went to him and inquired if he was a 
preacher. He replied that he was a local preacher^ and 
had recently arrived in the city. I then invited him to 
call at the "preachers' office" in the morning. He was 
there at the time named. Brother Sehon requested him 
to produce his credentials. He then informed us that he 
had entirely forgotten them, they were in his saddle- 
bags at the City Hotel, and that he would bring them up 
the next morning. This was satisfactory to all present. 
That night he prayed acceptably, and labored a long time 
at the altar. The next morning he came up as he prom- 
ised, but without his license. It was Saturday, and the 
Rev. A. Carroll, then stationed at M'Kendree Chapel in 
Fulton, invited him up there to preach the next Sabbath. 
He very cordially complied, but I understood he did not 
succeed well at sermonizing. On his return to the city 
he promised to write to Virginia, and get certificates of 
his Christian character and standing in society from Rev. 
John Early, D, D., now Bishop of the Church South; 
but this promise was never fulfilled. He brought up to 
our office, a few days after this, an old "exhorting license/' 
signed by Rev. John Early. Brother Sehon told him to 
bring up his preaching license'^ also, or else he would 
not allow him to preach again in any part of the city. 
The next Sabbath and the following week our young and 
gay deceiver spent at Fulton; during which time he had 
paid attention to rather an interesting young lady, and 
made proposals of marriage. On his return to the city 



WESLEY CHAPEL/ SECOND YEAR. 285 

he often visited the sick^ and I heard him pray once and 
weep at the bedside of a dying sinner, in a manner that 
made us all believe he was sincere. The next morning, 
on going to the preachers' office, T found a letter lying on 
the table, addressed to the pastors of Wesley Chapel — 
Rev. E. W. Sehon and Hev. M. P. Gaddis. The writer 
said he was an entire stranger^' to either of us, but for 
a week or more he had been attending the evening meet- 
ings at Wesley Chapel. He was pleased, yea, delighted 
with my colleague, and exceedingly pleased with Rev. 
John JS". Maffit, and no less attached to the writer of this 
strange history; but he was benefited more by the con- 
versation and warm-hearted exhortations of a stranger^' 
that occasionally talked to the mourners at the altar, than 
by us all. This led him to seek his acquaintance and to 
inquire where he was staying; and to his surprise, the 
Rev. Mr. Hardy — for that was the name of the impostor — 
cold him that he was lodging at the City Hotel, on Main- 
btreet. The writer then closed by saying that he would 
think more highly of the piety of professed Christians in 
Cincinnati when they treated strangers more kindly; and 
also urged upon brother Sehon and myself to provide a 
home in some good Methodist family for the young min- 
ister now stopping at the hotel, who had labored in the 
altar so faithfully for a number of nights past. This 
was the substance of the whole letter. It looked a little 
suspicious. We said nothing to any one, but laid it care- 
fully away in the drawer for future reference. When Mr. 
Hardy came up the next morning, brother S. told him 
that he should wait no longer for his credentials, and that 
he must go back and hunt for them and bring them im- 
mediately to the preachers' office. Mr. H. said he would 
do so, and took his departure. About eleven o'clock he 
returned with his lost certificate," and handed it over 
to my colleague, and soon left us to visit a sick woman 



286 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

near the head of Broadway. The reader will be aston- 
ished to learn that the ink was hardly dry in some places, 
and that it was written on the same kind of paper and 
with the same ink as the curious letter referred to above, 
which had been carefully preserved by us. We could no 
longer doubt his true character, and began to watch his 
movements carefully. We instructed a gentleman who 
lodged with him in the same room, to examine his papers 
the first opportunity. He did so, and found a number of 
forged letters and certificates. From this examination we 
learned that he most generally passed himself off for a 
Campbellite Baptist; but on coming to Cincinnati, he 
found that he might succeed better by passing for a 
Methodist preacher; hence the necessity of writing a 
new license to meet the emergency. The next day, on 
coming into the office, he told brother Sehon that he 
found a poor woman of our Church in need of some 
money, and that he had paid her five dollars. My col- 
league replied that the Female Benevolent Society should 
refund it to him immediately; but he objected, and pro- 
fessed to be much hurt by such a suggestion. He left 
our office soon afterward and went up to brother John 
Souders, on Fifth-street, and borrowed the sum of ten 
dollars ; five of which he kept for himself, and the other 
five he paid over to the poor woman, of which he had 
spoken, and that night left for "parts unknown.'* I have 
not heard a word from him since the hour of his final 
leave-taking in so unceremonious a manner. A steam- 
boat captain told me, a few months after he left, that this 
same young man came on board his boat at Memphis, 
Tennessee, with his saddle-bags on his arm, and told the 
captain that he was a Methodist traveling preacher in 
the interior of that state, and on his way to the river his 
horse had died, and that he was compelled to travel on 
foot and by stage a long distance. His money was nearly 



MY AGENCY. 



287 



all gone, and lie desired to go to the city of Louisville to 
visit his friends. The sympathies of the noble-hearted 
officer of the boat were immediately aroused, and he pro- 
posed to give the unfortunate minister (?) a free passage 
as far as he desired to go. The boat, on her upward trip, 
was detained a long time by the ice in the river, and the 
captain lost a large amount in having to board the pas- 
sengers longer than was anticipated. The passengers 
were a liberal and noble-hearted set of men, and resolved 
to raise a purse to indemnify the captain. All contributed 
something but Mr. Hardy. This led to an inquiry among 
his fellow-passengers as to the cause. On learning his 
destitute situation, another collection was taken up, 
amounting to more than one hundred and fifty dollars, for 
the young minister. All this was clear gain to him. 



CHAPTER XLII. 

WORTHINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY AND 
ASBURY ACADEMY. 

In the fall of 1841 I was appointed Agent for the 
Worthington Female Seminary and Asbury Academy, at 
Parkersburg, in western Virginia. I entered upon my 
new duties with a firm trust in God, resolving to do the 
best I could. From notes by the way" I extract the 
following : 

Columbus, 0., October 14, 1841.— The field of labor 
assigned me this year is as new as it was unexpected. 
My task at best is an unpleasant one. From what I 
have already experienced, I feel I shall need the 
grace of patience. By the grace of Grod, I have re- 
solved faithfully to execute the responsible duties 
assigned me. Thus far I have succeeded better than 



288 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



I anticipated. My religious enjoyments have not di- 
minished by the discharge of my duties as an agent. 
In my present relation to the conference, I feel that 1 
am doing the will of God. I am safe, in the order of 
Divine providence, acting in all things not according to 
my own will, but as a son in the Grospel.^' Since confer- 
ence I have preached once every Sabbath, and, in some 
places, twice, in addition to my duties as a ^^hegging 
agent^^ during the week. Grod has not forsaken me in a 
strange land, I find the same warm-hearted, generous 
feeling in the north which I have so often experienced in 
the south part of our conference. On Sabbath last I 
heard a most excellent sermon from Bishop Waugh, and 
at night an eloquent and beautiful sermon from llev. 
Thomas Sargent, of the Baltimore conference. Many 
will long remember his pleasing manner of address, and 
his urgent appeal, at the close, to the unconverted. In 
the love-feast, on last Monday night, we had " good 
measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running 
over." Brother J. M. Trimble, the pastor of the Church, 
arose to read his first quarterly report,^' but was so 
overwhelmed with the Divine glory that he forgot it, and 
commenced clapping his hands, giving glory to Grod/' 
Upon recollecting himself, however, he remarked, by 
way of an apology, that he was of the opinion the best 
item of the report was, ^'they were all happy in the 
love of G-od!" to which brother Sehon responded, that 
he had no doubt that report was accepted in heaven V 
Amen. 

After laboring several weeks for Worthington Female 
Seminary in Ohio, I returned to Cincinnati, and took 
passage on a steam-boat for Parkersburg, where I laDored 
for more than two weeks in behalf of the Asbury Acad- 
emy. The first Sabbath after my arrival, at the close 
of the morning sermon, I explained the nature of my 



MY AGENCY. 



289 



agency, and tlie object of my visit among them, to raise 
funds by subscription to build a new seminary adapted 
to the wants of our Church in western Virginia. I 
preached again in the evening, and on Monday morning, 
at ten o'clock, to all the schools and a large number of 
the citizens. In the mean time, I presented more fully 
the object of my mission, and during the first week ob- 
tained subscriptions varying from five to five hundred 
dollars, amounting in all to thirty-six hundred dollars. 

The next Sabbath I tried to preach again, and on Mon- 
day morning resumed the work of soliciting subscrip- 
tions to the Asbury Academy. The young gentlemen 
and ladies in attendance at the academy subscribed the 
handsome sum of two hundred dollars. I received a 
number of liberal subscriptions from benevolent ladies 
of the town during the week, swelling my subscription 
list to about four thousand five hundred dollars. This 
was the most successful effort that I ever made in " beg- 
ging money.'' 

The next summer^ at Charleston and Kanawha Salines, 
the subscription was increased to near five thousand 
dollars. I am sorry to record here that this money was 
never applied to the object for which it was subscribed. 
Through the influence of one member of the board of 
trustees, the time fixed for commencing the work was 
postponed. The next spring new difficulties arose, which 
resulted in the abandonment of this noble object. For 
the want of resoluteness in that board of trustees, the 
cause of male and female education has been greatly 
hindered in western Virginia. 

I returned from Parkersburg, Virginia, to Portsmouth, 
in tlie latter part of December. I found the Church at 
this place enjoying "times of refreshing." The labors 
of brother K. S. Foster had been greatly blessed. He 
was absent at Maysville, Kentucky, on Sabbath. I 



290 rooT-PRixTS of an itinerant 



gladly tarried, and joined in their battle-cry/' The 
Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us. I ^' gleaned 
thirteen souls during the day, several of whom found 
peace in believing. Two hundred have been added to 
the Church at Portsmouth this year. I presented suc- 
cessfully the claims of Worthington, and reached Chilli- 
cothe late on the next Saturday night, after a cold, 
tedious trip by canal. At this place I witnessed a most 
remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as the follow- 
ing brief extracts will reveal : 

Chillicothej Ohio, January, 1842. — I arrived here 
late on Saturday night, and did not report myself till 
Sabbath morning. Eev. John Miley, who is now sta- 
tioned here, received me kindly. I am deeply indebted 
to him for ministerial services long since rendered^ 
some of which date back to the time that he was a 
student at Augusta College. I am glad of an oppor- 
tunity to render him aid in time of need.'' Yester- 
day, at eleven o'clock, A. M., I preached to a large 
audience with great liberty. G-od enlarged my soul and 
blessed the congregation. Brother Miley intends to pro- 
tract the meeting. There are unmistakable signs of 
revival here. I was kindly entertained at the house of 
brother Jacob S. Atwood, Esq., during my stay at Chilli- 
cothe. I raised a considerable amount for the Worthing- 
ton female school, and received many personal tokens of 
friendship during my stay. We held meeting e^ery 
night and sometimes during the day. The work went 
steadily forward, gathering into the Church many of the 
best citizens of the place. 

GhiUicothc, Ohio, January 13, 1842. — (At J. S. At- 
icood's.) — Since my arrival at this place, I have wit- 
nessed another wonderful manifestation of the Divine 
power in awakening and converting sinners. I have 
had a time of refreshing from the presence of the Loi'l 



MY AGENCY. 



291 



in my own soul. Up to this time — since my arrival — 
two hundred have been added to our Churcli^ and more 
than one hundred have already professed to find peace 
in believing. The good work goes on without the least 
abatement. Brother Miley and myself are both now 
fully harnessed for the battle, and pull sweetly together 
like ^Hrue yoke-fellows. The Church comes up to the 
"help of the Lord" nobly. The old soldiers, such as 
Judge Thomas Orr and Judge M'Clintock, stand in the 
front ranks. The arm of the Lord is made bare at every 
coming together. The army of the " redeemed of the 
Lord," who have espoused the cause of Methodism in 
this city, are constrained to adopt the language of one 
of old : " The place is too strait for me ; give place 
for me that I may dwell." 

A committee has just been appointed to select a suit- 
able site and make arrangements for the erection of 
another church edifice in the south-eastern part of the 
city. 0, Zion, arise and shine I Enlarge the place of 
thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of 
thy habitations. Spare not ; lengthen thy cords and 
Btrengthen thy stakes ; for thou shalt break forth on 
the right hand and on the left." Methodism has a 
deep hold upon the afi'ections of this community; it was 
planted in this beautiful and fertile valley at an early 
period by the veteran pioneers ; it has become a goodly 
tree. Many of their sons and daughters now repose 
beneath its wide-spreading boughs. Judge Bonser and 
J. S. Atwood have united with us the last week. Glory 
to God ! My soul is on the wing. We have good news 
from Zanesville. In a letter from brother Heath, I learn 
that one hundred have been added to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Glory to God ! Amen. I expect to 
leave here to assist them at Circleville, where, I under- 
stand, there is a good prospect. 



292 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

Many deep and affecting incidents occurred during the 
revival at Chillicotlie. I will record one or two. On 
the third day of January, at the close of the morning 
service, a venerable form was seen approaching the altar, 
to give brother Marlay his hand in token of his desire to 
be admitted on trial in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
It was Judge Cook, one of the oldest citizens of Ross 
county. The audience, for a few moments, gave vent to 
the smothered emotion of their souls in a flood of tears 
and loud shouts of exultation. His advanced age, al- 
mond locks, and reputable standing in community, en- 
listed the prayers and sympathies of the whole assembly. 
After obtaining permission, he walked into the altar, and 
addressed his old friends and neighbors in the most 
touching manner. I took out my pencil and tried to 
write down the words of wisdom that fell from his aged 
lips. A few days afterward, in conversation with him on 
this subject, I asked the privilege of using his short 
address whenever I thought it would prove beneficial to 
others. I also remarked, at the same time, it would af- 
ford me additional pleasure if he would reduce his own 
address to writing, as I should like very much to preserve 
his autograph. To this proposition he very cordially as- 
sented, and, in the course of a few days, I received from 
him a letter, a copy of which I furnish my readers : 

"Rev. Maxwell P. Gaddis — Dear Sir, — The fol- 
lowing is the substance, and, I believe, the exact icorch, 
I made use of in my short address on the third of Janu- 
ary, 1842, in the Methodist Episcopal church, when I 
presented myself at the altar as a candidate for member- 
ship. Isaac Cook. 

Were it not for advanced age and long residence in 
this county, with some other circumstances, best known 
to myself, I should have let the present occasion pass by 
in perfect silence. It may be thought, by many, that 



Mi- AGENCY. 



293 



this is the first time that the subject of religion has ever 
struck my mind. Not so. Circumstances and difficulties 
have intervened and prevented me from becoming a 
member of a Church. Those difficulties have been prop- 
erly, prudently, and mildly explained away. I am not 
aware that I am at present about to enter upon the inves- 
tigation of a new and complicated theory of religion, nor 
do I expect materially to change my moral action. If I 
have been a stumbling-block in the way of others, I am 
not conscious of it; but permit me now to say, in the 
presence of my God and this congregation, I now roll the 
stumbling-block away, and leave the passage clear. I am 
well aware of the warm solicitude of many of my near 
and dear friends that I should become a member of a 
Church. Let me now say to them that their kind solici- 
tude is very grateful to my feelings, and I hope, by the 
assistance of a kind Providence, that I may conduct my- 
self in such a manner as not to mar their feelings, or 
disappoint their expectations. 

I now stand before you in the character of a man — 
jpoor, frail man — subject to temptation and human frail- 
ty, and it is more than likely that I shall claim at your 
kands much forbearance and kind indulgence. 

" ' While youth and beauty round us shine, 
And festive scenes our cares beguile, 
Unconscious time steals quick away, 
Leaves youth and beauty to decay. 

The flow'ry scenes in opening spring, 

The pluming birds that sweetly sing, 

Soon feel the stroke of Time's cold hand. 

And must submit at his command.' I. C." 

In about ten days after this was written, brother Cook 
was taken suddenly ill, and died in great peace. It is 
true he came in at the eleventh hour,'' but Grod, who is 
*'rich in mercy," will give him his wages," even a 



294 



FOOT-PRINTS 



or AN 



ITINERANT. 



crown of life whicli fadetli not away. How mysterious 
tlie ways of Providence ! A single remark, made by a 
granddaughter of brother Cook, was the means of 
bringing him home to God during the progress of the 
revival. Four hundred and upward joined Church before 
the close of that meeting. A new church was erected 
the next year, and has prospered much beyond the hopes 
of its warmest friends. Within the last few years the 
first charge has also erected a new and elegant Church on 
Walnut-street. 

I can not close this chapter without furnishing the 
reader the following history of the rise and progress of 
the Worthington Female Seminary. It is from the pen 
of Rev. Uriah Heath, the present presiding elder of 
the Columbus district, than whom the institution has 
had no warmer friend, and who has served it for many 
years as agent and trustee in the most indefatigable 
manner : 

The Worthington Female Seminary originated in 
the energy and ability of Miss Serepta Marsh and Eev. 
Jacob Young. The first demonstrated the possibility of 
a superior school in a western village, without the aid of 
suitable buildings or school endowment; and the second, 
by his ready perception, generous encouragement, and 
untiring labors, brought the subject fairly before the 
community. These leading spirits were sustained by the 
noble generosity and public spirit of ,the citizens of 
Worthington and its vicinity. The school was opened 
in a small frame building, now used as a dwelling-house, 
and the first public examination, though highly satisfac- 
tory, could only be witnessed by about forty persons 
beside the school. This exhibition of the capabilities 
of the female mind, though now looked upon as small, 
compared with what we have often witnessed since, then 
produced a powerful efi"ect. A spirit -"f generosity was 



MY AGENCY. 



295 



manifested by many of the patrons of the school, and 
visitors, delighted with the exercises, and a spontaneou-s 
effusion of the deep feeling which struggled in their 
hearts, supplied the school with desks and suitable con- 
veniences for the ensuing term. It was clear, on this 
first public occasion, that parents felt a thrill of satisfac- 
tion as they witnessed the improvement of their daugh- 
ters, which no moneyed consideration could produce. 

"In the close of September, in the year 1837, sister 
Marsh drew up that able address to the Ohio annual con- 
ference, which won the admiration of that body, and 
which was so favorably and cordially acted upon by the 
conference on the third of October following. Accom- 
panying this address to the conference was a subscrip- 
tion-list, exhibiting, in responsible pledges from the citi- 
zens, about three thousand dollars for the erection of 
suitable buildings. The action of the conference was of 
the most decided character, pledging to the institution 
"their whole and undivided support.'' The zeal of 
father Young was only increased by the action of the 
conference ; and, calling to his aid such men in his dis- 
trict as were willing to co-operate with him in this good 
work, and receiving the encouragement of many excel- 
lent spirits at a distance, the interest was increased 
through a large portion of the conference. 

"On the 18th of the following December the memo- 
rial of the Ohio conference to the Legislature of Ohio 
was prepared, and presented by Rev. William Herr, 
of Columbus station, and Uriah Heath, of Worthington 
circuit. This paper met with a very favorable reception, 
ind a charter was granted by that body, constituting 
eleven trustees as the holders of a trust jointly for the 
donors to the institution and the Ohio conference. This 
hoard must always be composed of three classes — three 
members of the Ohio conference, four lay members of 



296 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

the Methodist Episcopal Churcli, and four gentlemen not 
members of said Churcli, eacli of whom must nave 
given at lea&t twenty-five dollars to the Seminary. The 
corporation is privileged to hold fifty thousand dollars 
of property, and the charter is always to be construed on 
the most liberal principles. 

"Arrangements were immediately made for the erec- 
tion of the contemplated building, and the school, which 
was rapidly increasing, was removed from the small 
frame building to the Masonic Hall; and, through the 
kindness of that body, we were favored with this room 
till the new building was ready for occupancy. On the 
25th day of July, 1839, the corner-stone of the present 
building was laid, in the presence of a large assembly, 
by Rev. Jacob Young, and the audience were favored 
with a stirring and powerful address by the late Rev. 
Samuel Lewis, then acting as the Superintendent of 
Common Schools for the state. A subscription of five 
hundred and thirty-two dollars testified the satisfaction 
of the audience with the enterprise itself, and the man- 
ner in which its claims were presented. 

"The institution was favored with the zealous and 
successful labors of Miss Marsh, as the first Principal, till 
her marriage with Dr. H. Baker, of the Ohio conference. 
Her place was filled by the election of Miss Harrietta 
Smith, of the Barleywood Seminary. Miss Smith was 
every way worthy to succeed Miss Marsh, but, like her 
predecessor, she went from the midst of her afi"ectionate 
pupils, and, with the warmest wishes of her friends, into 
the Methodist itinerancy, as the companion of Dr. D. P. 
Kidder. Miss Smith was followed by Rev. Alexander 
Nelson, the present Principal of the Baldwin Institute. 
Brother Nelson was competent as a scholar, faithful as 
a teacher, and judicious as a principal, and served the 
institution successfully for four years. Rev. E. M. Bo- 



MY AGENCY. 



297 



ring; the present presiding elder of Marietta district, 
and a graduate of Augusta College, succeeded brother 
Nelson ; but preferring the regular work, and feeling the 
obligations of the ministry press upon his mind, while 
conscious of suflBicient health for the duties of the min- 
istry, he resigned his post at the close of the first year, 
and was succeeded by Mrs. H. L. Porter, who had been 
associated with him the year previous, and who had 
taught, with great ability, in the City of Washington. 
Rev. William D. Godman, of the North Ohio confer- 
ence, having married her adopted daughter, was, by the 
mutual wish of herself and the Trustees, elected Prin- 
cipal, while sister Porter still held the post of Govern- 
ess. Brother Godman, who was the first graduate of 
the Ohio Wesleyan University, and a ripe scholar for his 
age, held this post for two years to the satisfaction of 
the friends of the school and the profit of those in- 
trusted to his care; but death calling away his loved 
companion, the place became one of so mournful associ- 
ations that he resigned his position for the regular 
worK in his own conference. His place was filled by the 
election of our present loved and esteemed brother. Rev. 
0. M. Spencer, who is also a graduate of the Ohio Wes- 
leyan University, and one whom we deem every way quali- 
fied for the 'place. Brother Spencer has now served the 
Seminary for nearly three years to the entire satisfaction 
of the Board of Trustees, and, with his able corps of 
teachers, merits and receives the love of both parents and 
pupils. 

'^The cost of the Seminary premises, buildings, etc., 
is about fourteen thousand dollars. The grounds are 
neat and tasteful, embracing an oblong square of three 
acres, and the main building is seventy-five feet long and 
forty-three feet wide, and four stories high, including the 
basement; and there is also a neat and comfortable cot- 



298 FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

tage-building as the residence of the Principal. The 
Seminary is entirely clear of debt^ except a very small 
amount^ which is provided for; and the Trustees contem- 
plate other improvements during the present season. The 
institution has sent out to different sections of our own. 
and to sister states, about fifty graduates. The prosperity 
of the school has varied during the eighteen years of its 
existence, owing to the number of schools which have 
sprung into being since the support of the conference 
was pledged to this; but while we rejoice in the pros- 
perity of all, we rejoice, also, to say that at no time, 
since the organization of this school, was the number of 
pupils so large, its prospects so bright, or the attachment 
of its friends more settled and firm, than at the present 
time.'' 

It is but justice to say, that no individual has con- 
tributed more to the upbuilding and prosperity of 
the Worthington Female Seminary than Rev. Uriah 
Heath, of the Ohio conference, who has acted several 
times as Agent for the institution. He is still its warm 
and devoted friend. Long may he live to preach Christ 
and him crucified, and plead the cause of general edu- 
cation ! 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

MY AGENCY — CONTINUED. 

After laboring for about four weeks in Chillicothe, 3 
went up to Circleville and labored in another revival of 
religion, such as was never witnessed in that town before 
nor since. Over three hundred were added to our com 
munion in less than three weeks. The work was of s 
remarkable character; it spread over the entire town 



MY AGENCY — CONTINUED. 299 

and into every Church. This meeting was followed by 
a great deal of sickness, and many who embraced the 
Savior died soon after in great triumph. Rev. Joseph 
H. Creighton, of the Ohio conference, was converted to 
God during that meeting. Rev. J. C. Bontecou was 
pastor of the Church, and labored with great success, 
and was much beloved among the people. 

From Circleville I traveled north as far as Columbus, 
and assisted my old friend, brother J. M. Trimble, for 
several weeks. Here I witnessed another glorious out- 
pouring of the Spirit. About one hundred and twenty 
joined while I remained there, and more than that 
number found peace in believing. Brother Trimble car- 
ried on the meeting till late in the spring. He is one 
of the most popular preachers in the west — full of faith 
and the Holy Ghost, and a most indefatigable pastor. 
He was a great favorite in Columbus. 

From Columbus I went to Worthington, and wit- 
nessed the conversion of many of the young ladies and 
citizens of the place. From ^'my notes by the way'^ I 
extract the following : 

Worthington Female Seminary y Fehruaryj 1842. — The 
prospects of this Seminary were never more flattering 
than at present. The Principal, sister Harrietta Smith, 
is universally beloved by the pupils and patrons of the 
school. Through her indefatigable labors of love and 
unobtrusive piety, most of the young ladies in attend- 
ance the present session have been brought under re- 
ligious influence. Upward of twenty have already united 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church; they all appear 
happy in a Savior's love. A female class has been o:- 
ganized at the Seminary, of which sister Smith is the 
leader. Such meetings are seasons of great spiritual 
comfort. One young lady was heard to exclaim, when 
happy, and praising God aloud, If I should receive no 



300 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

other benefit from attending this Seminary than this I 
am well paid for coming to Worthington." This was 
no doubt the feelings of all who had been ^^made par- 
takers of like precious faith." Miss Eveline Smith, the 
teacher of music, is a sweet spirit and a great favoiite 
with her pupils. God bless this Female Seminary; and 
in all future time may " holiness to the Lord " be legi- 
bly inscribed upon its halls ! 

The total amount of collections and subscriptions up to 
this time is over one thousand dollars, and I have also 
received large donations to the library and a fine collec- 
tion of shells and minerals. 

In the spring I returned to Cincinnati to visit brother 
Christie, who was lying very ill at his brother-in-law's, 
M. B. Wright, M. D. From Cincinnati I went up to 
Parkei^burg to attend the examination of xlsbury Acad- 
emy, under the care of Professor Battelle. Preached 
twice the next Sabbath in Marietta. The next week I 
traveled through Zanesville and Columbus, to attend the 
annual examination of the Worthington Female Semi- 
nary. This was a deeply-interesting occasion. Rev. D. 
P. Kidder, D. D., delivered the annual address. At the 
close of the exercises sister Harrietta Smith and brother 
Kidder were united in marriage by Rev. J acob Young. 
The ceremony took place in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in the presence of the pupils and a large num- 
ber of citizens. The resignation of sister Smith was a 
heavy stroke upon the institution. But, as the loss of 
the institution resulted in great "good" to brother K., 
none felt disposed to murmur except the pupils of sister 
Smith, who mourned and wept at her departure as at 
the funeral of a deceased friend. They wept bitter tears 
of regret as they sung, on that memorable night, 

"How oft have we gatlier'd in prayer, 
When daylight was closing around, 



DYING BED OF AN ITINERANT. 



801 



And breathed on the still evening air 
Our wishes in love most profound! 

How oft has our Father above 

Been graciously pleased to meet, 
And fill with the fragrance of love 

The place of our evening retreat !" 

At the close of the examination I resumed my travels, 
and passed through the towns of Lancaster, Rushville, 
Thornville, Somerset, Logan, and Athens. At Newark 1 
witnessed another most gracious revival. I preached two 
weeks for Eev. Cyrus Brooks, who was in feeble health 
at that time. Two hundred were added as the result of 
that protracted effort. I will never forget the wonder- 
ful work of God among that people. They did not forget 
our Seminary. I again visited Parkersburg and returned 
to Ohio, passed through Chester, and spent a delightful 
Sabbath at Pomeroy. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

A VISIT TO THE DYING BED OP AN 
ITINERANT. 

While at Pomeroy, in Meigs county, I heard of the 
illness of Rev. Isaac C. Hunter, and early on Monday 
morning I started for his residence in the town of G-al- 
lipolis. On my arrival I found him much better, and 
his friends all encouraged to hope for his speedy recov- 
ery. However, we were all doomed to a sore disappoint- 
ment He spent a feverish, restless night, and was con- 
siderably annoyed by a severe cough. His disease was 
inflammation of the lungs. On Tuesday morning, during 
prayers, he seemed much engaged in prayer for himself, 
and often responded audibly to petitions offered by us 



302 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



On arising from our knees lie took my hand in his, and 
in answer to my inquiry, Brother Hunter, how have you 
enjoyed yourself during your affliction?'' he responded 
with a smile, " Very well, very well, indeed. Ah ! 
brother Gaddis, I sought and found the Lord in my 
youth, and have not only given him the morning but 
noon also. Yes, I have spent the prime of my life in 
his service, and I feel that he sustains me now. For 
twenty-three years I have labored hard in his vineyard, 
and never lost one appointment on account of ill health. 
Sometimes I have felt like writing bitter things against 
myself for laboring so hard; but upon a review of the 
whole I do not regret it now. During the past winter I 
labored unusually hard upon my district; but then Grod 
has blessed my labors, and we have had glorious revivals." 
He seemed cheerful, and continued to speak of his relig- 
ious state for more than an hour. Not long after this he 
was seized with a violent spell of coughing, which lasted 
nearly thirty minutes. Although he was a man of great 
muscular power, this paroxysm quite prostrated him. 
This was soon followed by still more unfavorable symp- 
toms and signs of approaching dissolution. He seemed 
very anxious, as he said, to know the worst of his case;" 
and after speaking with his family on the subject he 
requested Doctor Morgan, his attending physician, to 
hold a consultation in his room with all the doctors in 
the place. They were summoned immediately, and after 
spending more than one hour together in close consulta- 
tion, they rose up, one at a time, and quietly left the 
room without making known to brother Hunter the result 
of their deliberations. 

I was sitting in the parlor below as the last one of 
their number was about to depart. Sister Hunter ac- 
costed him as follows: '^Now, sir, I can not let you go 
till you tell me whether you think Mr. Hunter will die 



DYING BED OF AN ITINERANT. 303 

or not." He replied, ^^Well, madam, I am sorry to tell 
you that it is our united opinion that lie will not recover 
from this attack." This deeply affected her, and she 
went up stairs and burst into tears as she took her seat 
on the foot of his bed. As I approached his bedside he 
took my hand in his and said, ^^Well, brother G., they 
think it doubtful whether I will recover, do they not T' 
I then replied, "I will now do with you, brother Hunter, 
as I wish my friends to do with me when they consider 
me dangerously ill — not to conceal it from me, but let me 
know my true condition." To which he calmly replied, 
^^I hope you will do so." I then informed him that it was 
their united opinion, that his recovery was extremely 
doubtful, but his attending physician had some hope yet. 
This was a solemn hour, never to be forgotten. He lay 
calm and composed for some time, apparently wrapped up 
in profound meditation. I then ventured to ask him the 
following question: "Brother Hunter, in view of ap- 
proaching dissolution, do you still feel your confidence 
firm and unshaken in God ?" To which he responded, 
" yes, I feel that the Lord is my portion," and then 
added, "I want you all to pray for me now." And then 
he placed his hands upon his breast, and lifted his eyes 
toward heaven and prayed thus with a strong, unfalter- 
ing voice: "Now, O Lord, if there is aught of guilt 
stains, or any impurity yet in my poor heart, cut short 
the work in righteousness and wash it all away. I know 
the blood of Jesus is sufficient." He lay still for some 
moments, and then exclaimed, "/ know it! I feel it I 
This precious hlood has cleansed me from all sin /" He 
then took hold of my hand and said, with much tender- 
ness, "Now, brother Gaddis, if I die I want you to tell 
my brethren of the Ohio conference that I love them; 
yea, I love them in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Tes, I 
love them better than any set of men on earth. They 



304 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

are the most charitable, generous^ and affectionate men 
that I have ever known on earth." Then looking at his 
weeping wife and children he said, with great emotion, 
" Tell them to remember my wife and dear little children." 

After a short pause he proceeded to remark: '^You 
know, brother Gaddis, upon most all the subjects brought 
before conference I generally spoke my mind freely, and 
if at any time, with some apparent harshness of manner, 
I seemed to cross the path of my brethren, I loved them 
none the less. I believe they all thought I was honest 
and sincere, did they not?'' On being assured of the 
reciprocal good-will of his brethren, he continued to 
remark, " Were I to live I know I could do a little good 
and be of some service to my family; but, then, I know 
the Church can do without me, and Grod will take care 
of my family." His joy was now very great, and he 
could no longer restrain his feelings or tears, and he 
cried aloud, "Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is 
within me, bless his holy name !" With his eyes fixed 
upon heaven he repeated, 

" There is a land of pure delight, 
Where saints immortal reign ; 
Infinite day excludes the night, 
And pleasures banish pain. 

All o'er those wide, extended plains, 

Shines one eternal day ; 
There God the Son forever reigns. 

And scatters night away." 

After which he raised himself up in bed, clapped his 
hands, and shouted aloud for joy. "0," said he, "I 
feel much better ! Thank God, I feel half well !" He 
said ne was not afraid of death, and the grave had no 
gloom for him now; and then added, with his usual 
power of voice, 

•* An angel's arm can't snatch me from the grave ; 
Yet legions of angels can not confine me there." 



DYING BED OF AN ITINERANT. 805 

1 bade him adieu the next morning. On Sunday lie 
gave directions concerning his funeral, and for the infor- 
mation of the conference gave the time and place of his 
birthj and then told his friends he was ready — ^Hhat he 
could look away over hill and dale, valley and mountain, 
to the land of everlasting bliss.'^ 

After I left brother Hunter he was visited by Rev. 
Mighil Dustin, who remained with him till he breathed 
his last. 

The following letter from brother D. will be read with 
great interest : 

^'Dear Brother Gaddis, — You requested me to give 
you some account of the last hours of Rev. Isaac C. 
Hunter. 

"His death, as you know, occurred June 27, 1842, in 
Grallipolis, Ohio. His field of labor at that time was 
Marietta district, and mine was within the bounds of his 
district. Having heard of his extreme illness, I started 
immediately to see him. I reached Gallipolis in the 
afternoon of the 26th, the day before his death. I found 
him very ill, and suffering at times most intensely with a 
pain in his right side. He was in the full possession of 
all his faculties, and conversed freely and familiarly on 
different subjects. He seemed most inclined, however, 
to talk about the condition and prospects of the Church 
within the bounds of the district. 

^^He suggested a plan by which the quarterly meetings 
could be fully supplied with ministerial labor till the 
close of the conference year. After this he conversed a 
little in relation to himself He said he was fully con- 
scious of his imperfections, and had been all his life; 
but his trust was in the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ; 
and he felt then that Jesus was present and precious to 
his soul. He said during his ministry he had often 
found it necessary to preach against erroneous and strange 
26 



806 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

doctrines, and in some of his controversial discourses lie 
had been accused of uncharitableness toward his oppo- 
nents, and even some of his brethren had not altogether 
approved of his course in this respect; 'But/ said he, 
' in my opposition to false doctrines I have been honest 
before God. I may have erred in judgment, but it has 
been my first wish to please God, and then, as far as I 
could consistently, to please man for his good to edi- 
fication.' 

"He then spoke of his approaching death, but as calmly 
and deliberately as if he had only been talking of a little 
journey which he was going to take. He gave full and 
minute directions in relation to his funeral. He said it 
would make no difference to him where his ashes lay; it 
was as near heaven from one place as another; but as he 
had a son buried at Burlington, it would be best, he 
thought, that he should be buried there. His friends, 
he presumed, would prefer it. He said, as the weather 
was so excessively warm, it would be necessary to make 
preparations for his burial as soon as possible after his 
death. He said, with that peculiar energy which was 
characteristic of him all through life, ^Procure a large 
shiff and put the corpse 07i hoard, and get three strong men^ 
and let. them row with all their might till they get there.^ 
None but those who knew Isaac C. Hunter can be fully 
aware of the emphatic manner in which these words were 
uttered. 

"The next day he was worse. The pain in his side was 
more acute and intense, and his strength was very much 
prostrated. His mind, however, was calm and tranquil, 
and his faith in Christ was unwavering. He said the 
doctrines which he had preached he believed to be the 
truths of God, and the religion of the Bible was no cun- 
ningly-devised fable. The doctrine of the witness of 
the Spirit he said was a ^glorious doctrine.' He then 



DYING BED OF AN ITINERANT. 



307 



quoted the text, 'We Icnow that if our earthly house of 
this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of 
God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heav 
ens/ This was a favorite passage. He often quoted it, 
and it seems to have made at some time a very deep im- 
pression on his mind. 

*'In the afternoon it was manifest that he had failed 
very much and was fast sinking. Sometimes he would 
lie in an apparently-dying condition for half an hour or 
more at a time and then rouse again. Once, after having 
waked up from one of those stupors, I asked him if 
Jesus was still precious. He said, ' les, yes.' In a few 
minutes he sank away again, and we thought we had 
heard his voice for the last time. He spoke, however, 
once or twice afterward, but only a word or two at a time. 
An hour or two more passed away. The day was drawing 
to a close. The news had spread through town that the 
presiding elder was dying. Messenger after messenger 
came softly to the gate and inquired, 'Is he dying?' 
Every one spoke in a whisper. The whole village seemed 
still as the house of death. With breathless anxiety the 
people waited at the gate to hear whether the strong 
man had yet fallen. I sat by his bedside. Rev. A. M. 
Alexander was sitting near me. Two physicians were 
also present, beside the family and some other friends. 
We were expecting every moment to be the last. Sud- 
denly he waked up from that death-like stupor, and looked 
calmly around upon the weeping group. I asked the 
question, 'Have you still a bright prospect of heaven?' 
He could not answer in words, for the power of articula- 
tion was gone. But there is a language of signs, and 
sometimes it is more emphatic than verbal communica- 
tion. It was so on this occasion. A heavenly glow 
spread all over his countenance; the fire of ecstatic joy 
flashed from his eye ; he looked up, raised his right hand 



308 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



as far as lie could reacli^ and with his fore-finger pointed 
upward, as much as to say, 

' There's my house and portion fair, 
My treasure and my heart are there!* 

It was enough. No testimony could be stronger. No 
demonstration of the power of victorious faith could be 
more complete. 

"He sunk away again, and just as the last rays of the 
setting sun were seen above the horizon, he passed from 
earth to heaven. 

Night closed in upon us, and to that group of mourn- 
ers it was a dark and cheerless night. Every one was 
sad and sorrowful. All was still, save the suppressed 
tones of those who were busy in making preparations for 
the burial. In a few hours the coffin was brought and 
the body deposited therein. A small procession was then 
formed, and in that solemn midnight hour, while the 
stars looked out from behind the few clouds that flitted 
across the sky, the corpse was borne to the river, and 
from thence conveyed in a skiff to Burlington, forty-four 
miles distant, as Mr. Hunter had himself directed before 
his death. The family and other friends took the first 
boat the next morning and reached Burlington about 
noon. At 1 o'clock, P. M., the corpse was conveyed to 
the place of burial, followed by a large number of the 
citizens. We felt that day, as we ^smoothed down his 
lonely pillow,' that a great man and a mighty had fallen 
in Israel. 

"A more honest, faithful, fearless, generous, and mag- 
nanimous spirit never lived than Isaac C. Hunter. But 
he needs no eulogy. His witness is in heaven, and his 
record is on high. 

"Yours, fraternally, M. DusTlN. 

SpringfieU, Or 



don't come here to beg! 



309 



CHAPTER XLY. 

don't come here to beg! 

While engaged in soliciting aid for the Wortliington 
Female Seminary in West R., my friend, Mr. Mc, said, 
*'Come, brother G-addis, I want to take you down to see 

Mr. ; it is very difficult to get him to give a cent 

for any benevolent purpose whatever. I think if any 
one would be likely to succeed with him you are the 
very man; I want you to do the very best you can. It 
will do him good to give something — perhaps make a 
better man of him." As we walked along toward hia 
store I told brother Mc. that he must render me all the 
aid in his power. lie then remarked, "Whenever 

Mr. pleads his want of ability to give, which he 

will be sure to do, I want you to ask me in his presence 
if I think he ought to be excused upon that ground." 
I need not detain the reader with a minute detail of my 
effort to induce him to contribute to the object of female 
education. I am pretty certain I spent about two hours 
with him, and labored hard a good part of the time. 
He made all manner of excuses, and I very patiently 
endeavored to answer them all in regular order. With 
the aid of my friend Mc. I at last succeeded in getting 
him to give me the sum of one dollar. On our return 
my friend said, " I will have to suffer abuse from that 
man for a long time to come for bringing you to his 
store; but,'' said he, "I will not regard it; I am glad we 
went to see him; I believe it will do him good and make 
a better man of him." Sure enough, I had not been 
long out of town before this tight-laced brother came 
to the store of my good host and berated him for more 
than one hour, and wound up by saying, "Now, sir, 



310 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

when these agents, but, more properly speaking, ^heg^ 
garsj come along through our town I would be glad 
if you would mind your own business; and I now say, 
once for all, if you bring any more of them to my store 
I will insult them." He then returned to his store, and 
took a piece of red chalk and wrote on the wall near 
the door, in large letters, "Don't come here to beg!'' 
"Now,'^ said he, "I am resolved, whenever any man 
comes into my store begging money for any purpose 
whatever, I will just point him to this inscription on 
the wall, and ask him to depart without further cere- 
mony," 

Not long afterward he was taken violently sick and 
thought he was going to die. His store was closed, 
for he had not sufficient confidence in his neighbors to 
trust any one to carry on his business in his absence. 
His conscience smote him severely for his want of char- 
ity and a benevolence of spirit. Sleep departed from 
his eyes, and he trembled in view of having to give an 
account of his stewardship. In this miserable condition 
and distressed state of mind he sent a messenger in 
great haste for my friend Mc , who had taken me to his 
store when at West R. a few weeks before. As soon as 

he entered the sick chamber of Mr. , " 0," said he, 

am truly glad that you are here; I want to ask your 
pardon for the manner in which I treated you, because 
you brought Rev. Mr. Graddis to my store to beg for the 
Seminary. After I went to my store I wrote on the wall, 
in large letters, 'Don't come here to beg!' and in- 
tended it should stand there as a warning to all travel- 
ing agents and beggars for money who might enter. 
Now, I must tell you that I have slept none for several 
nights past, and whenever I shut my eyes those words 
that I inscribed on the wall, ' Don't come here to beg !' 
like a fearful specter are constantly before my distracted 



don't come here fo beg! 311 

mind. 0, my Qod, I would not die and leave those 
words on tlie wall for any consideration I Do pray to 
God in my behalf, that he may spare my life and permit 
me to return to my store to erase those dreadful words 
frcTm the wall." He also complained of a severe pain in 
his back, but my friend Mc. thought the pain was in 
his smitten conscience. God was merciful to him, and 
in answer to prayer restored him to health again. As 
soon as he was able to walk he went down to the store 
and erased from the wall with his own hands the ob- 
noxious words, "Don't come here to beg!" In the fall, 
on my return through that place, I met him, and he took 
me into his store and showed me the traces still there, 
although he had tried to rub out all the words as well 
as he could. He thanked me kindly for calling on him 
and urging him so long to give me something. He then 
remarked, he would never act such an illiberal part again 
in regard to the calls of benevolence and good works, 
and requested also that if I ever come that way again 
begging for any object, to be sure and give him a call 
among the first, and he assured me of a kind reception. 
There are many who do not write on the wall, Don't 
come here to beg!" that nevertheless inscribe it upon 
the tablet of their heart. 

GRAVEYARD— OLD TRINITY CHURCH IN . 

In my journeyings, when alone, I seldom passed by a 
country church graveyard without stopping a little sea- 
son to pray or meditate among the tombs. I often in 
this way renewed my spiritual strength. In old Trinity 
graveyard I spent a pleasant and profitable hour. In 
one part of that secluded burial-place I noticed a num- 
ber of beautiful white tombstones all placed in a row. 
The dead reposing there all belonged to the same family. 
I was forcibly struck with the fine taste and peculiar 



312 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

appropriateness of the devices and inscriptions upon 
these simple monuments of stone. The inscriptions 
were nearly all taken from the fourteenth chapter of 
Revelation. Beginning at the foot they read precisely as 
follows : 

1. (Child.) These were redeemed from among men, 
being the first fruits unto God and the Lamb." 

2. "These are they which follow the Lamb whither- 
soever he goeth." 

3. "And in their mouth was found no guile, for they 
are without fault before the throne of Grod.'^ 

4. This was the youngest child, a blossom nipped in 
the bud, and placed next to its mother, with this in- 
scription, " Suffer the little children to come unto me and 
forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." 

5. On the grave of the mother I found inscribed this 
striking explanation of the affecting scene, "That they 
may see, and know, and consider, and understand to- 
gether, that the hand of the Lord hath done this." 
Isaiah xli, 20. 

6. Upon the tomb of the husband and father it was 
thus engraven, "I am the resurrection and the liee." 
Well has it been said, 

" Touclied by the cross we live, or more than die ; 
That touch with charms celestial heals the soul, 
Diseased, drives pain from guilt, lights life in death, 
Turns earth to heaven, to heavenly forms transforms 
The ghastly ruins of the moldering grave." 



CHAPTER XLYI 

A VISIT TO THE SPRINGS IN VIRGINIA. 

Crossing the Ohio river, I traveled up the Kanawha 
to Charleston, and stopped a few days at the Salines. 



A VISIT TO THE SPRINGS. 



313 



From my notes by tlie way/' I make the following ex- 
tracts : 

Kanawha Salines. — At the Salines the principal objects 
of attraction are, the burning springs" and a salt- well 
of Mr. Tomkin. The well of Mr. T. is nine hundred feet 
deep, and contains a quantity of gas, sufficient to force the 
water as high as necessary without the aid of a pump. A 
stream of gas is constantly issuing from the mouth of the 
well, and has recently been carried up by a tube about 
twenty feet high. This stream of gas, when ignited, 
beautifully illuminates the salt works, and enables you to 
read a newspaper or book at the distance of' thirty yards. 
I understand it is the design of the proprietor to turn 
it to a more practical purpose soon — to aid in heating 
Uie salt kettles. 

Blue Sidphur Springs, Va. — Thank God, I have arrived 
at last at this most beautiful retreat in the mountains. I • 
have been much delighted with my trip from Charleston. 
The falls of the Kanawha river are much larger than I an- 
ticipated- The scenery along the banks of New river is 
wild and romantic. My visit to the far-famed Hawk's Nest 
was most gratifying indeed. The dizzy hight upon which 
[ took my stand — the dashing roar of the waters sweeping 
along its base — the massy piles of rock stretching far 
above, and winding in various curves below, partly ob- 
scured by the green and graceful drapery of the forest and 
the fleecy mist which formed itself into clouds and flitted 
over my head, caused the involuntary exclamation, Great 
and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty." The 
road to this place traverses a wild region of country, and 
afi'ords many grand and picturesque mountain views. I 
have now spent three weeks at this lovely spot. I have 
drank the water and used the sulphur baths without any 
beneficial result. God has been very good to me. I 
enjoy peace, constant, full, and, at times, swelling tides of 
27 



314 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

joy. During my stay I have acted as chaplain for the 
visitors, preaching, and visiting the halt, lame, sick, and 
dying. I have felt an especial interest in a Mrs. Stan- 
bery, who is dying of consumption. She is the wife of 
Doctor Stanbery, and sister to Mrs. Duncan, of Newark, 
Ohio. She can not live long. I fear she will never see 
her home again in Ohio. ^ 

"Land of my youth, thy pleasant fields 
In flow'ry verdure dress'd, 
Where once I hoped, life's journey done, 
To lay me down to rest." 

To me there is something peculiarly melancholy in the 
thought of dying from home, in a strange land. 0, may 
I be ready at all times to enter into the joy of my 
Lord 1" Last Sabbath I preached my last sermon at this 
place, from, "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe 
in Grod, believe also in me. In my Father's house there 
are many mansions," etc. The audience was large and 
attentive; many of whom were from the sunny south, 
the far west, the frigid north, and others from a more 
eastern clime. Many eyes were suffused with tears, and 
others sobbed aloud as I told them of that better country 
where the inhabitants never say, "I am sick.'' 

My next visit was to Lewisburg, thirteen miles east- 
ward. Here I renewed my acquaintance with Rev. Enoch 
Sullivan, and formed an intimate acquaintance with Rev. 
B.H.Nadal, now Professor of Languages in Indiana Asbury 
University at Greencastle. I then proceeded to the 
White Sulphur Springs, nine miles east of Lewisburg, in 
Greenbrier county. I spent one Sabbath here, and assist- 
ed brother Nadal in holding a two-days' meeting contigu- 
ous to the Springs. We had a pleasant time, and I be- 
lieve good was done. The White Sulphur, at that time, 
was considered the Elysium of the mountains; the resort 
especially of the gay and pleasure-hunting portion of this 



A VISIT TO THE SPRINGS. 815 

Union. The spring is large^ and; at tliat time^ covered 
with, a handsome dome, surmounted with a statue repre- 
senting Ilygeia. She was standing on a beautiful cylin- 
drical pedestal, covered with a snow-white drapery, her 
left arm gracefully folded in the coils of a serpent, with 
a bowl in her right hand filled with sulphur water, which 
was said to be emblematic of the power of this excellent 
spring to destroy all noxious diseases. I did not enjoy 
my visit to this fashionable resort, and soon departed for 
the Sweet Springs, where I spent the remainder of my 
time allotted for recreation in the mountains. I have 
often thanked my heavenly Father that he directed my 
footsteps to that most delightful retreat for invalids. 

Sweet Springs, Virginia, August 1, 1842. — This is in- 
deed a sweet place. Nature and art combined have ren- 
dered it so. It is the most ancient and celebrated 
watering-place in this state. Last night we had a fine 
white frost. It is now cold enough for fire night and 
morning. The atmosphere is healthful and invigorating. 
These springs, in a direct line, are only about eight miles 
from the White Sulphur, but following the devious wind- 
ings of the turnpike, the distance is over sixteen. They 
lie east of the main ridge of the Alleghany Mountains, 
at the head of a fertile valley. This has been a place of 
resort for upward of sixty years. The water is not sweet, 
but has a slight acidulous taste like soda. It contains 
sulphate of magnesia, sulphate of lime, traces of iron, 
carbonic acid gas, etc., the excess of which gives the 
water a transparent briskness. Its temperature is 70° 
Fahrenheit. ' The baths are inclosed in a fine brick 
house, and are of quadrangular shape. The gentlemen's 
bath is five, and that for the ladies, four feet deep. On 
plunging into the bath you receive a slight shock, which 
IS soon succeeded by the most pleasurable sensations. 
The water is of sufficient quantity to turn a large mill' 



SW POOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

wheel. Notwithstanding it has been flowing thus copi- 
ously for centuries past, like the stream of time, it still 
flows on : 

"Flows and -will flow the ever-fleeting spring, 
Till the last trump its piercing note shall sing." 

I have met but one person here that I have ever seen 
before — John Taylor, Esq., from Zanesville, Ohio. He 
seems almost as near to me as a brother. He has come 
here, not for pleasure, but with a view to recover his 
health. We have already spent many pleasant hours 
together, wandering along the vales and climbing the 
mountain sides. My religious enjoyment is on the in- 
crease. ^^At home or abroad," I am a happy man, al- 
though passing through ^'affliction's furnace.'^ It is true 
I have "fightings without and fears within," but Grod 
hath "delivered my soul in peace from the battle that 
was against me; for there were many with me.'' Psalm 
Iv, 18. 



CHAPTER XLYII. 

JOYFUL DELIVERANCE. 

During my stay in the mountains in the latter part 
of the month of July there was a most remarkable 
freshet in most of the water-courses for a distance of 
more than fifty miles around. It swept off houses, mills, 
bridges, and fences, and spread devastation, dismay, and 
death along every stream, rivulet, or mountain ravine. 
I frequently passed by the spot between Lewisburg and 
the White Sulphur Springs, on one of the tributaries 
of G-reenbrier, where a most remarkable and deeply- 
affecting incident occurred. 

A brother and sister who had the entire charge of a 



JOYFUL DELIVERANCE. 317 

carding-macliine and fulling-mill on this stream, after 
naving finished the toils of the day, retired to enjoy the 
repose of innocence for the night. They both slept in 
separate apartments in the second story of the build- 
ing. During the forepart of the night the rain fell in 
copious showers. About midnight they were suddenly 
aroused from their peaceful slumbers by the frightful 
roar of the mountain torrents. They immediately 
lighted a candle, and found, on examination, that the 
stream had already overflown its banks and the water 
was up to the second story of the machine-house. Every 
hope of escape to the shore was cut off. To add to the 
horror of their perilous situation, the night was fearfully 
dark and the rain still descending in torrents from the 
clouds. They were soon driven by the swelling flood 
into the third story of the building. Here they kneeled 
down and prayed together as they supposed for the last 
time in this world. After committing soul and body 
into the hands of a merciful Grod, who '^sitteth above 
the water floods," they held a consultation as to what 
they should do farther in order to save their lives. The 
brother was for remaining in the mill, but the sister pro- 
posed to take refuge in the strong arms of a large tree 
near the north-east corner of the building. The brother 
argued in this way, ^'If we remain in the house, when 
it is swept off we may possibly escape on some part of 
the wreck; and if," continued he, ^^we go out upon the 
tree, when the house moves off the foundation it may 
swing against the tree, and our ruin will be inevitable." 
His sister replied, "I think if we remain our destruc- 
tion is certain, for when the mill is swept off the foun- 
dation it will fall on its side and plunge us into the 
water before we can escape from this room. For my 
sake, my dear brother, do let us go out on the tree; by 
this means our lives may yet be spared." Thanks be to 



818 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT 

God; she at lengtli prevailed. He then opened the roof 
close to the tree, took the cords from his bed and went 
out on a limb of the tree, and made it fast to the main 
trunk. He then took his sister and tied the cord 
around her body, under her arms, and easily succeeded 
in lashing her fast to the limbs of the tree. He then 
took another cord and tied himself fast to the main body 
of the same tree, near to his beloved sister. It was only 
a few minutes after they had made their escape from the 
house before it was raised from its foundation by the vio- 
lence of the waters and dashed into a thousand fragments 
upon the rocks below. In this exposed and perilous situa- 
tion they remained all night, while the brave old tree 
waved to and fro when struck by the surging waves and 
drift-wood, occasionally drenching their feet in the angry 
waters. Every moment they expected to be submerged 
in the turbid flood or dashed to pieces on the rocks 
below. how dark and cheerless would their situation 
have been but for the cheering words of Him who can 
Btill the tempest and hush its roar ! While thus waiting 
to pass the ''awful flood/' 

"When every scene of life 
Stands ready to depart," 

the eye of faith pierces beyond the darkness that sur- 
rounds the entrance to the grave, and enables the Chris- 
tian to sing, 

"Wlien tempest clouds are dark on high, 
His bow of love and peace 
Shines sweetly in the vaulted sky, 
A pledge that storms shall cease." 

When the morning dawned their friends and neigh- 
bors rushed to the bank of the stream, but could not 
afford them any relief; but G-od was their refuge, and 
suffered no harm to befall them. The alarm was given, 



A WORD IN SEASON. 



319 



and kind-hearted persons from the surrounding country 
rushed to the rescue; but till the angry waters began to 
subside nothing was accomplished. Their friends about 
one o'clock in the day effected their deliverance by cut- 
ting down a number of large trees above the mill, let- 
ting them float down near the one to which the unfortunate 
sufferers had lashed themselves. In this way a bridge 
was formed; which extended across the stream to the 
shore. Over this, by the aid of ropes, the brother and 
his sister passed in perfect safety. Overcome by fatigue 
and excitement they sank down at the feet of their 
deliverers; but as soon as they recovered from their 
exhaustion they arose and fell upon the necks of those 
who had effected their rescue, wept aloud, and kissed 
them, and exclaimed, We are saved! we are saved! 
we are saved! 0, how shall we ever be sufficiently 
thankful to our kind deliverers I" 



CHAPTER XL Y III. 

A WORD IN SEASON. 

Before taking my departure from the Sweet Springs I 
felt it deeply impressed on my mind by the Holy Spirit, 
to have personal conversation with my dear friend from 
Ohio, Mr. J. T. I often fixed a time in my own mind 
when I would introduce the subject, but when that time 
arrived something always intervened, or I had not courage 
to carry my good design into execution. We often walked 
m the grove and roved through the wild wood in com- 
pany, and yet I could not ''bear my cross ^' and discharge 
so plain a duty. I prayed for him when in my room, and 
my interest increased in his behalf every day. He was 
just such a young man as Christ once "loved'' when he 



320 rOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

Raid, ^'Yetlackest thou one thing." At length the time 
drew near for my return to Ohio^ and I resolved not to go 
till I had discharged my duty. Satan raised a thousand 
objections^ but I triumphed hy faith. On the day before 
I left I walked with Mr. T. up on the mountain-side to 
the strangers' burial-ground.'' On our return from that 
lonely place I took his arm in mine and affectionately 
urged him to embrace the Savior. His heart melted, and 
lae assured me that he had resolved to lead a new life. I 
reminded him of the uncertainty of life and the proba- 
bility that he might not recover, and the great import- 
ance of ^'having on the wedding garment." I then said, 
"I shall bid you adieu to-morrow, and I hope when I hear 
from you again that you will be able to say, 'I have 
found him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets 
did write.' " No language can describe the inward satis- 
faction I felt that night after taking up one of the heaviest 
crosses that I ever bore. But, the rich reward that 
followed in the comforts of the Holy Spirit compensated 
me more than a hundred fold. The next morning, when 
I got ready to start, Mr. T. took a seat in my buggy and 
rode a mile or two down the road. We both wept at 
parting, and I said to him, ^^Grood-by, God bless you, 
Mr. T. I hope by your remaining here to drink of these 
waters, your physical health may be entirely restored ; 
but, above all, I wish you spiritual healthy and I hope be- 
fore you return home you may be permitted to drink of 
the ^ water of life, and thirst no more.^ I returned to 
Ohio, but whenever I thought of the invalid, Mr. T., 
whom I left at the Springs, I prayed for his salvation. 

Can you imagine, dear reader, the joy of my heart on 
the receipt of the following intelligence, communicated 
by Rev. S. B., of Lewisburg, Ya., in a letter dated Octo- 
ber 28, 1842 : 

"The two camp meetings, of which you heard me 



A WORD IIN SEASON. 



821 



speak wtile here, were seasons of great comfort to many 
of us. I also attended a camp meeting on Monroe cir- 
cuit, where seventy-five souls were soundly converted. 
Since our two camp meetings the work goes on finely. 
Several hundred have been converted. About two weeks 
ago, while attending a protracted meeting at Covington, I 
witnessed the conversion of Mr. J. T., from Ohio, who is 
now staying at a brother-in-law's. I was an eye-witness 
to his struggles at the mourners' bench. His conver- 
sion was rational and glorious. He spoke much of you — 
said he had met you at the Springs, and wished me to 
write and inform you of his happy conversion. He united 
with our Church, and was baptized by Rev. B. H. Nadal.^' 

I wept like a child when I received this soul-cheering 
intelligence. But I hasten to let this young man relate 
his own story, how Grod at last brought him to the knowl- 
edge of the truth : 

" Z LE, August, 1843. 

^'Beloved Christian Brother, — Your very welcome 
letter came to hand some two or three days since. I was 
truly gratified on hearing from one who occupies so large a 
place in my pleasant recollections. Within the last few 
months my memory has frequently carried me back to 
the many pleasant hours that I spent last summer on the 
vine-clad hills of my old native state; and not unfre- 
quently does the name of my friend and brother, Rev. 
Maxwell P. G-addis, associate itself with those pleasant 
thoughts. Truly did I enjoy your society then, but 0, 
how much better should I have enjoyed it could I have 
called you hrother, as I can now, through the grace of 
Him who hath loved us and given himself a ransom to 
redeem us ! ^ Cast your bread upon the waters,^ my 
brother, ^and after many days it will be gathered again,' 
saith the word of our God. The few words we had upon 
the subject of religion were not without their effect upon 



322 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



my heart. I had always admired the Christian character, 
but the world had a strong hold upon my affections. I 
had strayed far in forbidden paths. God, in mercy, laid 
his afflicting hand upon me. I had to give up all thought 
of business. I sought to repair my loss of health by 
returning to my native land, where I could forget the 
cares of business and attend alone to the reparation of 
my health. I was there associated with pious friends and 
had much time for reading and reflection, I followed 
their good suggestion, and read most religious works — 
among which were Carvosso, J. B. Taylor, Mrs. Rogers, 
and Mrs. Fletcher, My admiration of the Christian char- 
acter was greatly increased thereby, and I began seriously 
to reflect upon the subject of the salvation of my soul. 
I commenced closet devotion, and read the Bible more 
closely. I made but little progress. I then began to be 
anxious to converse with religious persons on that subject, 
and would have gladly conversed more with you, but I felt 
a backwardness that I could not well overcome. In a few 
days after we parted I left the Sweet Springs for Coving- 
ton, and from there I went to the Hot Springs, but re- 
ceived no benefit. I resolved to return to the Sweet 
Springs, and staid several weeks, and my health gradu- 
ally improved. This was a good providence, for I was 
thereby detained till late in October. This gave me an 
opportunity of attending the quarterly meeting at Cov- 
ington, among my relatives. Through the instrument- 
ality of a beloved sister I was induced to take the good 
old-fashioned Methodist loay of getting religion. I went 
to the altar at morning meeting, and spent about an hour 
there ; and in the afternoon, about four o'clock, I com- 
menced the work again at my dear sister's house; and 
ere the natural sun disappeared below the horizon, where 
once all was gloom and darkness, the heavenly light broke 
in upon my soul, and my mouth was filled with praises to 



CONFERENCE AT HAMILTON. 



323 



the Grod of Israel. I am traveling a new patli for me, 
and althoTigli gloom and darkness sometimes take hold 
upon me in consequence of my unfaithfulness, yet there 
is a peace loithin that still remains. I was pained to learn 
your health was still feeble. I can sympathize with you. 
Since my return to Ohio I have suffered much. I am 
now confined to the house nearly all the time. "Write 
soon, and write long. 0, do not make it shorter than 
mine. I need good advice. I shall always he pleased to 
hear from you, and should have proposed a correspond- 
ence with you when we parted at the Springs in Virginia, 
I felt hut I have got rid of a good deal of my fool- 
ish pride. I remain sincerely yours, J. T.'' 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

CONrERENCE AT HAMILTON — SUPERAN- 
NUATION. 

On my return from Virginia I settled up my business 
with the Board of Trustees at Worthington, and started 
to Hamilton, Ohio, to attend the session of the Ohio con- 
ference. A gentleman, and a member of another Church, 
had given his ^^note" to Rev. Joseph M. Trimble, D. D., 
at Columbus, for the full amount of my salary, if the 
conference would send me to that city the next year. 
William Neil, Esq., had also given us the promise of a lot 
on which to build a new church. Bishop Morris has 
since informed me that he made the appointment at an 
early period of the session; but one or two days before 
conference adjourned, the late Rev. William H. Raper, at 
a time when I was absent from the conference-room, and 
without my knowledge or consent, proposed to the confer- 
ence to grant me a superannuated relation for one year. 



324 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

and reqnested me to go to tlie south for tlie benefit of 
my health. It was almost instantly carried by a unani- 
mous vote, and I was soon informed of the fact. I do 
not know that I ever felt as deeply afflicted by any occur- 
rence in my whole ministerial career. I was at first un- 
willing to submit to the action of the conference, although 
I was fully satisfied of the kind motives which prompted 
brother Raper to make the motion, and my brethren so 
ready to respond to it in such a cordial and hearty man- 
ner. I wept like a child. I could not endure the idea 
of departing from the regular work, although my health 
was so much impaired; but my best friends all urged me 
to acquiesce in the matter, and comply with the wish of 
the conference, to go and spend the winter at the south. 
To this arrangement I finally agreed with much reluctance. 

On my return to Cincinnati I received a letter from 
my brother David, at Ripley, requesting me to come up 
immediately and preach for them a few days. Some were 
seeking the Savior, and there were signs of a general 
revival of the work of Grod. I showed this letter to 
Bishop Hamline, who was then engaged in editing the 
Ladies' Repository, and requested him to go with me. 
We took the packet the next day at 10 o'clock, A. M., 
and arrived at Ripley soon after the commencement of 
the evening service. That evening souls were converted 
to God, and the work of conviction greatly increased. 
The next day the Lord made bare his holy arm in the 
sight of all the people. The altar was crowded with 
penitents, and more than a score found peace in believ- 
ing on Christ. I never heard Bishop Hamline preach 
with such power as he did during the progress of that 
meeting. Many will rise up at the last day to call him 
blessed of the Lord." I remained there, laboring day 
and night, till over one hundred and fifty were added to 
the fold of Christ. 



WESLEYAN FEMALE COLLEGE. 325 

On my return to Cincinnati tlie Board of Trustees 
elected me to act as their agent in behalf of the Wes- 
leyan Female College; and I cordially agreed to assist 
them in carrying forward their noble educational enter- 
prise. But I soon became unhappy. I had done enough 
of that kind of labor the previous year. I had no heart 
left for the work. I panted daily to see souls converted 
to God and the borders of Zion enlarged. This, I be- 
lieved, was my appropriate work, and I soon respectfully 
resigned my commission. 

Bev. Charles Elliott, J). D., who is always devising 
noble plans for the enlargement of the Bedeemer's king- 
dom, proposed to join me in building a mission church 
on the lot where Christie Chapel now stands. Bishop 
Hamline wrote the subscription, and gave a liberal dona- 
tion himself, and in a few days I had the pledge of more 
than one thousand dollars. Doctor Elliott had agreed to 
preach on the next Sabbath, and had written an editorial 
on the subject for the Advocate. The whole scheme was 
defeated, however, by the unwillingness of one of the 
charges to relinquish their claim upon the ^^old grave- 
yard lot," at that time erroneously imagining that the 
erection of another Methodist Episcopal church in that 
latitude would almost break up their own congregation. 
It was now the middle of December. I was paying for 
my board, and had no place to preach, and no income. I 
knew not what to do. The winter was setting in bleak 
and stormy, and my health very bad; yet I preached 
almost every Sabbath, and sometimes during the week. 
My friends in the city finally prevailed on me to go south. 
I made my arrangements, and embarked for Louisville 
about the 20th of December, 1842. Bless the Lord, 
my soul, that amid all these outward trials and unexpect- 
ed scenes of disappointment, I had in ternal quiet — a fixed 
state of mind, that nothing could disturb. 



826 



FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER L. 

THE SUNNY SOUTH. 

Thursday, JDecemher 22, 1842.— I left the Queen City 
on board the steamer Scioto Belle^ quite indisposed. On 
arriving at Louisville I was quite too unwell to proceed 
on my journey. I was very kindly received and enter- 
tained in the family of Rev. H. H. Kavanaugh, the 
stationed minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Brook-street, and now one of the bishops of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church South. For more than five 
days I was confined to my bed, and suffered most ex- 
quisite pain for a period of more than forty-eight hours 
from an abscess on my throat; but by proper and timely 
medical aid and good nursing by sister Kavanaugh, and 
especially the blessing of Grod, I so far recovered as to 
be able to resume my southern trip. This afiliction was 
made a blessing to my soul, and had a tendency to wean 
me more from this vain and sinful world. 

At Shippingsport in the morning I accidentally met 
the Kentucky giant, James Porter, He was seven feet 
eight inches in hight and tolerably well proportioned. 
In early life he learned the cooper's trade,'' but was 
engaged in keeping a small grocery store, and also in 
running a hack between that place and Louisville. His 
chair was three feet high, and standing behind the 
counter was a highly-ornamental rifle eight feet long. 
I conversed for some time with the " giant," and learned 
from him that his father was deceased, but that his 
mother was still living, and resided not far from him 
in the village of Shippingsport, below the falls. His 
father and mother were of ordinary stature, and so were 
his brothers and sisters. As I looked upon this human 



THE SUNNY SOUTH. 



327 



prodigy I thought of Goliah, whose hight was six cubits 
and a span, whose spear was like a weaver's beam, the 
head of which weighed six hundred shekels of iron. 
And I remember the prophet Samuel's account of four 
others "who were born to the giant, and fell by the hand 
of David and by the hand of his servants;'' one of 
whom " was a man of great stature, and had on each 
hand six fingers, and on each foot six toes — four and 
twenty in number." 

We are now fully under way, but moving very slowly, 
on account of the ice. For other incidents connected 
with my journey I refer the reader to my diary kept at 
the time. 

Tuesday, December 27. — Weather warm, raining fast, 

and the ice nearly all gone. Health improving. Thanks 

be to Grod for his great goodness and merciful kindness 

to his servant! I feel that all is peace. Grod protects 

on the deep waters as in the city full or vast wilderness 

" Jesus protects, my fears begone ! 
What can the Eock of Ages move?" 

Wednesday, December 28. — We are now lying at the 
"Cave in the Rock;" we have been aground more than 
fifteen hours. Time passes pleasantly away. The pas- 
sengers are generally moral, and some few of them re- 
ligious. Fine time for meditation and prayer. that 
Grod may aid me by his Holy Spirit to grow in grace 
every day during my journey to the south! 

Friday, December 30. — Passed Cairo, at the mouth 
of the Ohio river, last night about dark. Weather cold 
and stormy ; snow falling fast. We are now about forty 
miles above Memphis; boat runs intolerably slow; pas- 
sengers getting very restless; many of them homesick; 
lost all hope of spending New-Year's at the Crescent 
City. It was very dark and stormy as our boat glided 
into the Mississippi, and many felt much alarmed for 



328 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 

fear we should strike some heavy drift-wood and sink to 
the bottom. I walked into the ladies' cabin, and found 
an intelligent lady crying most bitterly. I learned the 
cause of her distress arose from an apprehension that 
our boat would be wrecked during the darkness of the 
night. I exhorted her to trust in Grod, and bade her 
good-night and retired to my berth. Before I laid down 
I read a portion of Scripture, and committed soul and 
body unto the hands of my heavenly Father. I did not 
awake till the sun was shining upon the turbid waters. 
After breakfast I went into the ladies' cabin to see my 
distressed friend. She informed me that she kept her 
right hand upon her ^^ife-preserver" and kept awake 
till the dawn of morning. ^^0/' said she, ''I wish I 
was a Christian, and could be delivered from the fear of 
death and the grave.'' I told her that one object of 
the death of Christ was to destroy the power of death — 
take away its sting — and ^'deliver them who through 
fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bond- 
age." I hope our conversation was not in vain. I am 
now calm and peaceful, and have been somewhat re- 
freshed in waiting upon Grod in secret. I long for com- 
munion with the people of God in his sanctuary. 

Decemher 31. — This is the last of the year; I now 
write 1842 for the last time in my journal. How differ- 
ent my present situation from what it was at this hour 
twelve months ago! Then at Chillicothe, Ohio, in the 
midst of a most powerful revival of religion; now be- 
tween Memphis and Yicksburg, directly opposite an is- 
land where a number of gamblers" found a watery 
grave not long since! Well, be it so. Even here on 
the water I can worship God and hold sweet fellowship 
with his Son. In looking over the past year I find 
great cause for devout thankfulness as well as deep and 
unfeigned humility. The Lord has been better to me 



THE SUNNY 3 0UTH. 



than all my fears. He hatli brouglit me out of sore 
troubles. "My soul has escaped as a bird from the 
snare of the fowler." I have spent the greater portion 
of the year in traveling, as the Agent of Worthington 
Female Seminary and Parkersburg Academy^ in western 
Virginia. I want to be lioly ; T will seek it by day and 
night. I know it is my privilege to be cleansed from 
aii sin. This day I feel the Lord precious. Whether 
at home or abroad^ on land or water^ Jesus can make 

"December T)leasant as May." 

Blessed be the name of our God forever ! 

" Here, then, my God, vouchsafe to stay, 
And bid my heart rejoice ; 
My bounding heart shall own thy sway, 
And echo to thy voice." 

January 1, 1843. — This has been a day of great com- 
fort and peace to my soul. While calling to remem- 
brance the goodness of God my heart has been deeply 
affected. I have again renewed my covenant; I am re- 
solved to devote myself more fully to God^ and labor 
more faithfully in his vineyard. This is a beautiful 
Sabbath evening. The new year broke upon my vision 
in a milder climate and beneath a serener sky than I 
have ever seen before. We have now shaken hands 
with a cheerless northern winter, and are traveling rap- 
idly onward to the land of sunny smiles. The new year I 
the past with its sunlight and shade rushed upon my 
mind. The pleasure of dwelling upon the past — in call- 
ing to mind hallowed associations, endearing friendships, 
and sweet communion with kindred spirits — what pen 
can portray? Early in the morning of that memorable 
day the following note was handed me by one of the gen- 
tleman passengers : 

"Rev. Maxwell p. Gaddis — Dear Sir, — It is the 
united wish of the passengers of the Scioto Valley that 
2'8 



380 FOOT- PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

we should have divine service on board to-day, and, if 
consistent with your feelings and the state of your 
health, we should feel ourselves gratified by hearing a 
sermon from you. 

''Yours, most respectfully, 

''Signed, 

To this note were appended the names of all the gen- 
tleman and lady passengers with the exception of /owr, 
who were Roman Catholics — three of whom were "sis- 
ters of charity." (?) I very cordially accepted the polite 
invitation, and improved the interesting occasion by 
preaching them a New-Year's sermon at eleven o'clock, 
A. M., in the ladies' cabin. "Cast thy bread upon the 
vjatej's, and thou shalt gather it after many days.'^ We 
are now about thirty miles above Yicksburg. I pray Grod 
to make me useful wherever I go. 

January 4. — Arrived in the Crescent City this morning 
at nine o'clock. This at present is the great business 
mart for North America. The levee presents a mingled 
picture of light and dark ^shades. The shipping and 
majestic steamers present an imposing appearance to 
the eye of the stranger. I have no language to describe 
my emotions on first entering this port. My first busi- 
ness, however, was to retire in secret, and return my 
humble thanks to almighty God for preserving my 
health, and protecting me from danger and accident dur- 
ing my long and tedious journey from the Queen City of 
the west. 

I have met a kind reception, and am now staying at 
the house of Rev. Mr. Curtis, a local preacher, whose 
residence is opposite Enunciation Square. The weather 
is as warm here now as some of our summer days in 
Ohio. I sleep under a musketoe-bar at night. What 
a transition, from the ice-bound shores of the Ohio to 
this congenial, sunlight clime ! I hope my visit will be 



THE SUNNY SOUTH. 



331 



pleasant if not advantageous to my health. The Lord 
is still better to me than my foolish fears. 

" His hand my drooping head sustains." 

Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing 
shall offend them." 

I trusty should my life be spared, to make greater 
proficiency in my studies this year than last, and rise to 
greater hights in holiness and Christian enjoyment. 

*' 'Tis there, with tlie lambs of thy flock, 
There only I covet to rest ; 
To lie at the foot of the rock, 
Or rise to be hid in thy breast. 

'Tis there I would always abide, 

And never a moment depart, 
Concealed in the cleft of thy side, 

Eternally held in thy heart." 

January 8. — This has been my jir?,t Sabbath in New 
Orleans; I am now left alone to reflect upon its pleasing 
and aiOBlicting scenes. The morning was bright, followed 
by a lovely, smiling day, peculiar to this southern clime. 
It was favorable for the devout and pious portion of the 
community to repair to the temples of the God of 
Jacob, whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, 
unto the testimony of Lsrael, to give thanks unto the 
name of the Lord." In company with brother Curtis 
and Rev. W. Nicholson, pastor, I repaired to the Poy- 
drass-Street Church. This is a most splendid edifice, 
of the Grecian and Doric order, the details of which 
are copied from the temple of Theseus, at Athens. The 
hight of the steeple is one hundred and seventy feet. 
The entire building combines a beauty and novel grand- 
eur to be seen in no other church edifice about the city. 
Here I tried to preach at eleven o'clock, A. M., from 
these words, ^* They overcame him by the blood of the 
Lamb and the word of their testimony," etc. Revela- 



332 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

tion xii, 11. I Iiad but little comfort, because of the 
tumult in the streets without. It was the Sth of Jan- 
uary, a day memorable in our political history, and was 
most generally observed throughout the city as a day 
of great festivity and mirth. At three o'clock we as- 
sembled at the same place to administer the sacrament 
of the Lord's supper. While thus engaged a military 
company passed the door of the church, and a portion 
of the audience retired to the lobby to witness the pro- 
cession. A brisk cannonade was kept up in Lafayette 
Square, to the great annoyance of the communicants. 
Kev. Mr. Curtis being the oldest minister present, was 
called upon to consecrate the elements. After partaking 
of the bread and passing it over to brother Nicholson 
and myself, he became so confused or absent-minded, 
that he arose from his knees before passing round the 
wine-cup. I can not express the deep feelings of my 
heart on this painful occasion. In this wicked city 
^Hhe ways of Zion do mourn, and few come up to her 
solemn fieast." Till very recently there has been almost 
a total disregard for the holy Sabbath. "This memora- 
ble and eventful day — January Sth — was commemorated 
with a spirit of enthusiasm plainly indicating the patri- 
otic remembrance with which the deeds of noble daring 
that signalized it are cherished. At an early hour the 
ear-piercing fife and spirit-stirring drum summoned the 
military department to their duty. Prompt in peace, 
and, we are equally assured, prompt in times of war, 
the well-disciplined and martial band who constitute the 
legion and battalion sallied forth to celebrate, in a be- 
coming manner, an event that shines conspicuously, in- 
deed, pre-eminently, in the bright galaxy of military 
achievements won by American valor. It was a day 
of pride, rejoicing, and thanksgiving. The associations 
connected with the ^glorious eighth,' revived by the 



THE SUNNY SOUTH. 



338 



brilliant celebration of to-day, should excite the liveliest 
emotions. The heart of every Louisianian should bound 
and leap with joy at the annual recurrence of a period 
that rescued from a rude, plundering soldiery, female 
chastity and all the blessings that attach to and ennoble 
the human race. The charm of British invincibility 
was dissolved on that occasion, and the star spangled 
banner of freedom's advocates floated in triumph over 
the plains of Chalmette. Throughout the city a spirit 
of animation prevailed, occupations ceased, houses luere 
closed, in fact there was a general stop of proceedings 
for a full and unmixed enjoyment of the anniversary. 
The military were in order from Hop to toe,' and the 
various societies that joined in the unanimous melee of 
congratulation and rejoicing presented a ^perfect ju- 
hileey There is no law in that state to prevent ^'mili- 
tary parades," 'Harget-shooting," "horse-racing," or the- 
ater-going on the Sabbath. It is to be regretted that 
out of a winter population of more than one hun- 
dred and sixty thousand comparatively few attend the 
house of Ood. When the Sabbath is disregarded re- 
ligion and morality die. Man forgets God and God 
forsakes man. The moral world becomes a desert waste, 
where beauty never smiles. The illustrious Washington 
was a strict observer of the Sabbath. He often read 
the Scriptures and prayed with his regiment on that 
holy day. As a nation we can not prosper if we trample 
on the Christian Sabbath. 



B34 



rOOr-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER LI. 

INCIDENTS AT NEW ORLEANS AND MOBILE 

During my stay in the city of New Orleans I spent 
the most of my time at the house of the late Harry Hill, 
Esq. J on Canal-street. I heard Eev. William Winans and 
brother Nicholson preach frequently. I witnessed the 
inauguration of Grovernor Mouton, and had the pleasure 
of renewing my acquaintance with the late Henry Clay, 
of Kentucky. Mr. Clay, at that time, was in feeble 
health, and seemed much concerned about the salvation 
of his soul. I saw him present in the Methodist Church 
during the delivery of a most eloquent sermon by Rev. 
W. Nicholson. A gentleman, who was not a professor of 
religion, related to me a very interesting conversation be- 
tween Mr. Clay and Rev. Mr. Clapp, at a dinner party, on 
the subject of experimental religion. Mr. Clay at last 
inquired of this erratic divine, if he believed in ^^con- 
version,'' or the possibility of obtaining, in this life, a 
Jcnowledge, a satisfactory assurance, that we were in the 
favor of Grod. In reply, Mr. Clapp said, ^MVhen quite 
young I thought I experienced such a change, but my 
subsequent life has convinced me that I was mistaken. I 
do not believe or preach that doctrine now. I think all 
that Grod requires of us is simply to give our assent to his 
word, and believe in Christ as the Messiah — to give full 
credence to the ^sure word of testimony.'" Mr. Clay 
answered, ''Although I do not profess to have experi- 
enced this remarkable transformation, yet I have always 
entertained a very different opinion altogether from 
yours. To make you understand my meaning I will illus- 
trate it in a very simple manner. For many years past I 
have fully believed that such a man as Rev. Mr. Clapp 



INCIDENTS AT NEW ORLEANS 



335 



existed — that you exercised the office of the ministry in 
the city of New Orleans;" and he laid his hand on the 
minister's shoulders and continued, ^^but I have much 
stronger evidence now than I ever had before, because I 
feel you with my right hand. I can not be mistaken 
now — I KNOW that it is you, Mr. . So I have al- 
ways/' said Mr. Clay, regarded the subject of religion; 
in addition to the testimony of which you speak, I believe 
that it is our privilege to have the sense of feeling. This 
frees the mind from anxiety and doubt/^ Here the con- 
versation ended, and the whole company appeared de- 
lighted to hear the expression of such sound views of 
theology from the distinguished senator from Kentucky. 
I had this statement from an intelligent citizen, a man of 
unimpeachable veracity. 

I recollect an amusing incident which transpired at the 
inauguration of Grovernor Mouton. It was announced 
more than a week previous, through the journals of the 
city, that Mr, Clay would be present upon that interest- 
ing occasion. Early in the morning the streets were 
thronged, not to see the recently-elected Governor, but to 
get a sight of the great statesman, Henry Clay, who was 
then the guest of the city. The doors were guarded by 
a strong military force, to prevent the crowd from enter- 
ing before the arrival of the Governor and his suite — 
the ladies and invited guests from abroad. Through the 
kindness of a friend I was early admitted to a comforta- 
ble seat. A number procured boards and ladders, and 
'^climbed up some other way," and made their ingress 
through the windows in the rear of the building. It was 
not long before the entrance of Mr. Clay that I discov- 
ered at my side, standing on a chair, a fine, noble-looking 
native Louisianian. He seemed much agitated, and his 
fine forehead bathed in a most profuse perspiration. His 
whole manner attracted my attention — when, on a sudden, 



836 rooT-PRiNTS or an itinerant. 

his flashing eye met my steady gaze. He then stooped 
down and very politely asked me if I thought Mr. Clay 
would soon make his entrance. I replied, '^It is not quite 
time yet." ^^Sir/' said he, ^'are you a citizen of this 
place?'' I replied, "No; I reside in Ohio.'' *^Was you 
ever in the state of Kentucky?" quickly inquired my ex- 
cited strange friend. I replied, "0 yes, often; I am at 
present residing in Cincinnati." '^Did you ever see Mr. 
Clay?" '^0 yes, frequently." ^^0, sir," he replied, 
'^you are a highly-favored man; I would rather look upon 
his face than any man in the universe. Do you think he 
will certainly be here this morning? I would not miss 
seeing him now for half of my plantation ; I rode thirty 
miles yesterday afternoon on horseback, in order to be 
here in time on this occasion." At that moment a mes 
senger announced the arrival of the Grovernor, and the 
aisles were instantly cleared. He soon entered, with his 
attendants, amid demonstrations of a hearty welcome. 
In a few moments Mr. Clay made his appearance, and was 
received with deafening shouts of applause within and 
without the spacious hall. My friend mounted his chair 
and looked on him with a steady gaze during the whole 
delivery of the Grovernor's message. I do not suppose he 
heard or understood one word of it, he was so busily en- 
gaged in watching Mr. Clay. At the close he turned 
around and remarked, that he believed "Henry Clay the 
greatest man God ever made," and closed by saying, "0, 
my God, if he does not go to heaven when he dies I be- 
lieve I do not want to go ! Farewell, God bless you ! I 
can go home satisfied now, sir." I think no one could 
doubt either his sincerity or his disinterested admiration 
of the great statesman ; but I confess I felt then, and do 
now, a strong desire to go to heaven, whether Mr. Clay 
was permitted to enter that happy place or not. 

On the 23d of February, in company with Rev. E. W. 



DEPARTURE PROM NEW ORLEANS. 



337 



Selion, my former colleaguGj but then Agent of the 
American Bible Society^ I left New Orleans, and took 
passage on the mail-packet Fashion" for the city of 
Mobile. The Fashion" was commanded by A. Fuller- 
ton, who tendered us both a free ]Dassage. On handing 
us our tickets he humorously remarked, Gentlemen, you 
go free unless some accident should occur, for you know 
that sailors have a foolish fear of a storm on the lake 
when the clergy are on board the vessel." I was delighted 
with the placid appearance of Lake Pontchartrain, over 
which we glided during a beautiful day, at the rate of 
twenty miles an hour. The next morning, however, we 
were lying at anchor nearly opposite Cedar Point. Early 
in the forepart of the day we entered the Gulf, and bat- 
tled bravely till nine o'clock, A. M., when the boiler arch 
gave way, and the boat caught fire. This produced great 
consternation, but in a few moments the flames were ex- 
tinguished, an anchor cast out, and all was quiet again. 
A storm of wind and rain came down upon us, and it was 
necessary to cast over another anchor; but still we drifted 
further from the land. All hands were at work to repair 
the injury, and the captain and officers assured us all 
would soon be right again. But, alas ! we were a " day 
and night in the deep," short of provisions, and in immi- 
nent peril every hour. We had on board twenty-five gen- 
tlemen and three lady passengers, most of whom wore 
sad and gloomy faces, and a few cried and prayed all the 
time. I went below and prayed often in secret, and felt 
that all was safe at the command of Him 

" Whose voice the -winds and sea obey." 
The captain would often come along and pleasantly re- 
mark, '^Gentlemen, I fear there is a Jonah aboard. I 
think I will yet have to make you pay for your passage." 
We reminded him of Paul's dangerous voyage to Italy, 
when an angel of God stood by him," and, in answer to 
29 



338 rooT-PRiNTS of an itinerant. 

his prayer, saved tlie passengers and crew — ^'all that 
sailed witli him.'^ Blessed be his holy name, the next 
morning we arrived safe in the port of Mobile. The first 
Sabbath after our arrival brother Sehon preached a dedi- 
cation sermon in the new church, which was the happiest 
effort that I ever heard him make. The sermon was 
universally admired, and was followed by a generous col- 
lection. I remained in Mobile till the 28th of April. I 
had the privilege of preaching often myself, and of hear- 
ing Rev. L. Pierce, D. D., frequently. I have no hesi- 
tancy in saying that I think him the ablest Methodist 
preacher that I heard in the south. The Sabbath before 
my departure he preached a most powerful discourse, by 
request, in opposition to the fanatical notions of the Mil- 
lerites. The text was taken from the second epistle of 
Paul to the Thessalonians, second chapter, first and 
second verses: "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the 
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering 
together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, 
or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by let- 
ter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand." 
This eloquent and powerful sermon settled the minds of 
many '^wavering souls,'' and no doubt saved some from 
losing their reason. It had a tendency to abate the 
Millerite excitement a hundred per cent, throughout the 
whole city. The labors of Doctor Pierce were signally 
blessed to the people in Franklin-Street Church. I assist- 
ed him in the revival for more than four weeks. Many 
were happily converted, and a goodly number added to 
the Church. I remember a very singular mistake, and 
a very afflictive one, too, that occurred during that meet- 
ing, on one of our sacramental occasions. The Doctor 
and myself were kneeling at the communion table — the 
prayer of consecration was ended — the Doctor partook of 
the bread and handed it to me — be then took the cup 



INCIDENTS AT MOBILE. 339 

and; after drinking, passed it to me, and I partook of it 
likewise. He then arose from his knees and handed it to 
one or two communicants kneeling outside the altar — 
paused — ^looked embarrassed — and came to me, and said, 
There is something ^rong; I fear we have been deceiv- 
ed; that wine has a strange taste and smell/' I then in- 
stantly perceived it was Cogniac brandy. The services 
were instantly closed by making an explanation to the 
audience. The prayer offered by brother Pierce, at the 
close of that occasion, will never be forgotten by me while 
I live. "We afterward learned the steward of that 
Church kept a demijohn of brandy in the same closet 
where he kept the wine for sacramental purposes, and 
that morning he trusted to a colored girl to fill up the 
communion-tanks, instead of attending , to it himself. 
Through ignorance on her part, and not of design, this 
unfortunate mistake occurred. I understood, before leav- 
ing that city, that this painful occurrence made a thor- 
ough temperance-man of brother , the steward of the 

Franklin-street charge, and he resolved never again to 
place the unfermented juice of the grape in such close 
proximity with alcoholic brandy. 

"I SHALL DIE IN MY NEST." 

Not far from the Crescent City there lived a minister 
of the Baptist Church, concerning whom I learned the 
following truthful incident : He was originally from one 
of the New England states, and had left his '^childhood's 
sunny home" as a missionary to the low-lands of Lou- 
isiana. Full of zeal, he came to instruct the ignorant, to 
warn the impenitent, and proclaim salvation through a 
crucified Redeemer to his perishing fellow-men. He was 
especially concerned for the downtrodden slave, and he 
frequently declared, in public and private, that to labor 
for his amelioration, and moral and spiritual elevation^ was 



840 rOOT-PRTNTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

his chief joy.'^ He often remonstrated with his hear- 
ers against the sin of involuntary servitude, and exhorted 
all his acquaintances to put away the blighting curse 
from among them. His efforts were so judicious and 
well directed, that many felt the force of his reasoning, 
while all united to say that he was truly a humble fol- 
lower of Him ^^who went about doing good/' But on a 
sudden his zeal greatly abated ; his sermons were not so 
pointed nor evangelical, and his prayers had also lost 
their fervency and power. In a word, the whole tenor of 
his conduct was so changed that it was noticed by all 
with whom he had intercourse. But what had wrought 
this wonderful change in the conduct of this professed 
teacher of the way of life? His history is not an isolated 
one. The mystery is solved by the following quotation 
from 2 Tim. iv, 10: '■^ Hatli forsaken me, having loved 
this present world." 

In one of his rambles among the benighted heath- 
en," (?) he made the acquaintance of a rich planter, 
whose daughter was the owner of one or two hundred 
slaves. A ^^ove of money'' put out the eye of his soul 
and damped the luster of his hitherto unsullied spirit. 
He desired to be rich, and in an evil hour fell into tempt- 
ation and a snare — erred from the faith and pierced him- 
self through with many sorrows. It is true, his determ- 
ination to depart from the legitimate work of the ministry, 
cost him many a painful struggle, but the tempter pre- 
vailed. After a short visit to his native land to bid them 
" farewell, which were at home " — Luke ix, 61 — the nup- 
tials were celebrated with pomp and splendor, and the 
young preacher became the owner of a rich plantation, 
with more than one or two hundred slaves. 

The last sermon that he preached, previous to his mar- 
riage, was from these words, "I shall die in my nest.'^ 
Job xxix, 18. It was considered, by all who knew the 



THE RECOMPENSE. 



341 



circumstances, most singularly appropriate to his own 
case. Before making up his mind to die in "his nest/' 
he resolved to have it "well feathered." He was gener- 
ally known afterward by the cognomen of the man who 
said, "I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply 
my days as the sand." This is not a solitary case. 
how many, who were once bright and shining lights in 
the ministry, have forsaken the cause of their Master, 
and have turned aside to "heap up uncertain riches!" 
Many have already ceased to preach, and are now quietly 
reposing at home, saying, "I shall die in my nest.'' 



CHAPTER LII. 

the recompense. 

I received tokens of kindness from all with whom 1 
had intercourse in the cities of Mobile and New Orleans. 
At times I preached hard, but, thank God! I am well 
assured that my labors were not in vain in the Lord. I 
was more than recompensed before my departure, in wit- 
nessing the conversion of some that were awakened 
through my instrumentality. I wish to mention one 
case particularly. It was the case of a young lady, a 
Miss Susan B., a native of the state of New York, who, 
like myself, had visited the sunny south with the hope 
of recovering her health. She had been staying with a 
near relative for several months before I made her ac- 
q-uaintance. She was beautiful and accomplished, but a 
stranger to the religion of the Son of God. Her health, 
during the winter, improved rapidly, but with the open- 
ing of spring all her fond dreams of returning health 
rapidly vanished. Her uncle had engaged her passage 
in the first ship that was to «ail from that port bound to 



842 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

the city of New York. But God liad ordered it otlier- 
Tfise. She took a slight cold by exposure to the night 
air, which was followed by a severe chill. She was soon 
confined to her room, and prostrated upon a sick and 
dying .bed. I was sent for to visit her several weeks 
previous to her death. I found her sinking fast with 
hasty consumption of the lungs and liver. As soon as ] 
went in she requested me to take a seat near her bedside. 
She then proceeded with great emotion to remark in 
substance as follows : 

" You are a stranger to me^ but I also am a stranger in 
a strange land. You are a Christian, I am not. I am 
confident that I will die soon, and I feel that I am un- 
prepared. I want your counsel and your prayers, which, 
I think, 3^ou will be kind enough to impart in this the 
hour of my greatest need.'' 

The earnestness and pathos with which she spoke af- 
fected all present to tears. I read a chapter in the Holy 
Bible, and then prayed for the dying penitent with some 
good degree of freedom. I continued to visit her once 
or twice nearly every day till her death. I never heard 
any one plead more earnestly and importunately at the 
throne of grace. Her words and gestures at times were 
deeply afi'ecting. It was a most difficult thing for her to 
" believe with a heart unto righteousness.'' At times I 
feared she would die without leaving a clear testimony 
of her salvation. One evening while I was expounding 
to her a portion of the word relative to the atonement, I 
stopped suddenly and asked her if she could not see the 
Savior hanging on the cross and sufi"ering for the sins of 
a guilty world — for her sins. She looked for some time 
with a fixed gaze and then exclaimed, '^I do see him by 
faith." I then said to her, ^^That same Jesus that sufi'ered 
without the gates of Jerusalem on a Roman cross on 
Calvary's rugged brow, is yowr Savior now, and I want 



THE RECOMPENSE. 



343 



you no longer to view him in his humiliation on the 
crosS; but look up and see him at the right hand of his 
Father pleading for you at this moment.'^ Blessed be 
God, she looked by faith to Jesus as an exalted prince 
and Savior/' and in a moment she was saved. what 
words of rapture, praise, and thanksgiving fell from her 
lips ! Her work was now done, and she patiently waited 
the moment of her joyful release. 

When the time of her departure drew near I was sum- 
moned to her bedside. Her face was radiant with the 
light that shined upon her from beyond the Jordan of 
death. She took my hand in hers and pronounced a 
blessing upon my soul, and thanked me for my kind 
attentions and the deep interest I had taken in the sal- 
vation of her soul. ^'I shall never see my native place — 
the home of my youth; but blessed be God that here, 
in a distant land, I have found Jesus, the friend of sin- 
ners. I die in peace in a strange city, but my flesh shall 
rest in hope. I know that my Redeemer liveth. Fare- 
well to this sunny clime; I go to a city where the ^in- 
habitants are never sick.' '' 

The closing scene was most tender and touching. 
As the death struggle came on, she commenced, with 
clasped hands, repeating, in an audible voice, the Lord's 
prayer. As her strength failed she spoke in lower tones 
till her sufferings were nearly over. While listening 
attentively to this childlike, simple manner of prayer, 
she looked me full in the face and said, with a clear 
voice, "It was you that first pointed me successfully to 
the cross of my dying but now risen and ascended Sav- 
ior." how much of heaven and angelic sweetness 
beamed from her face, even during the last " sad con- 
flict I" When almost gone and no longer able to speak 
above a whisper, I discovered that her lips continued to 
move. I then put my ear as close as I coujd, and found 



o44 FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



her going thrcugli the "YnWej and shadow of death/' 
continuing to repeat that inimitable prayer commencing. 
^^Our Father, who art in heaven/' Thus she continued 
to pray till the last ^^amen'^ upon her lips was "turned to 
a song of victory on the other side of the river of death. 

As I went forth from that chamber of death it was 
near the midnight hour; not a footfall was heard in the 
street; the moon and stars were shining in their beauty 
and loveliness in the dome of heaven. I was alone, and 
yet not alone, for G-od was with me. I clasped my hands 
and looked up to heaven and exclaimed, Heavenly 
Father, I do thank thee that thou hast ever called me 
to the work of the ministry!'' 

"It was you," said the dying stranger, "that first 
pointed me successfully to the Savior." my soul, 
praise God that I was ever so highly honored ! Bless 
the Lord, who daily loadeth me with benefits ! How full 
and rich my reward this night! what a glorious 
recompense ! "What are diamonds, pearls, jewels, precious 
stones — what the riches and honors of the world when 
contrasted with such a recompense? What are thrones, 
kingdoms, and crowns when compared to the reward of 
the humble minister of Jesus Christ? 

Not long afterward I left Mobile and returned to New 
Orleans, and took passage for home. On my return I 
spent a pleasant Sabbath at Louisville, Kentucky. Dur- 
ing the summer I traveled almost constantly and preached 
more than if I had been in the regular work. I visited 
Kipley, Maysville, Portsmouth, Chillicothe, Columbus, 
Worthington, Delaware, preaching once or twice in each 
place. I also visited Zanesville, and preached twice at a 
camp meeting held in the bounds of the Putnam circuit. 
I preached twice in Zanesville, and then returned to Chil- 
licothe, and preached at 3 o'clock, P. M., at the dedica- 
tion of the new Methodist Episcopal church on the Sab 



GREENFIELD STATION. 



345 



bath previous to tlie commencement of conference. "We 
had a pleasant annual conference, and I enjoyed myself 
very well. I was appointed the next year to Grreenfield 
station. I look upon the year that I traveled for my 
health as one among the most laborious years of my 
itinerancy. 



CHAPTER LIII. 

-GREENFIELD STATION, HIGHLAND COUNT'/. 

The town of G-reenfield lies in the north-east corner of 
Highland county, eighteen miles from Plillsboro, and 
twenty-one miles from Chillicothe. It is pleasantly loca- 
ted on the north side of Paint creek, and founded on 
solid rock. It is in the midst of a flourishing country, 
and has an industrious and moral population. A railroad 
now passes through it, connecting the town with Cincin- 
nati and Chillicothe. The first Methodist Episcopal 
Church was organized here in 1822 by Rev. Jacob De- 
lay, an old pioneer preacher, of the Ohio conference. 
The present church edifice was erected in 1824. The 
first class consisted of the following persons: Charles 
White, class-leader; Thomas Stewart and wife, William 
Collins and wife, Edgar Mitchell, Cool, Robbins, Jen- 
nings, Moore, Jones, and a few others. It was organized 
into a station in 1840. I was appointed to the station 
from the Chillicothe conference, and commenced my 
labors October 15, 1843. This was the smallest station 
that I ever served, but I found here a noble set of men^ 
"who had a mind to work." The church edifice was of 
stone, and, at the time of my appointment, was in a bad 
state of repair. The aisles were of brick, and also a 
Drick pavement in front of the altar, the design of which, 



346 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT 

I was informed, was to prevent noise in walking. From 
tlie dampness that settled on the walls I took a severe 
cold, and became hoarse every time I attempted to preach. 
On examination the sleepers and floor were found in a 
decayed state, from confined air underneath. I soon 
obtained permission to make some alterations and the 
necessary repairs, thougb not without considerable oppo- 
sition at first on the part of some who stave off all im- 
provements of this kind by the old, stale cry of " letting 
well enough alone." By the blessing of God I soon 
raised the sum of two hundred dollars, the amount neces 
sary for all the repairs. The work was commenced in 
the early part of December — tbe old floor and rotten sills 
removed, and an entire new floor laid down in their 
stead — the house whitewashed, pulpit remodeled, altar 
carpeted, newly furnished, and a neat cushion outside of 
the railing for kneeling on during communion service. 
While the repairs were progressing I preached in the 
Baptist and Presbyterian churches, and in the old school- 
bouse. We also kept up our prayer meeting and class 
meetings regularly in private houses, and encouraged the 
Church to look for a general revival of the work of God. 
The repairs were all finished on Friday, the 14th of Jan- 
uary, and on the next Saturday evening I commenced 
holding a protracted meeting. I opened the services by 
preaching from Isaiah iv, 5 : And the Lord will create 
upon every dwelling-place of Mount Zion, and upon her 
assemblies, a cloud and a smoke by day, and the shining 
of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory shall 
be a defense." it was a time of power! The ^'Lord 
fought our battles for us," and we followed the '^fire and 
the cloudy pillar " to certain victory. Before the meet- 
ing closed about fifty were added to the Church. This 
was a good work. Before the close of the year nearly all 
wbo joined at this meeting were admitted into full coo- 



GREENFIELD STATION. 347 

nection, some of whom have since ^^died in the faith/' 
and are now at rest in Abraham's bosom. My expo- 
sure in the early part of the winter proved highly injuri- 
ous to the state of my health. 

For some time I had no regular place to board^ which 
was a great inconvenience. After preaching hard on 
Sabbath morning, February 14th, I was seized with a 
violent attack of pleurisy. I was unconscious for near 
forty-eight hours, and for more than five days I was near 
unto death; but Grod had mercy on me" and heard the 
prayer of his people in my behalf I was brought back 
to life and resumed my labors again in four weeks from 
the time I was taken ill. Throughout all that sore afflic- 
tion my inind was kept in perfect peace, staid upon the 
Savior. The Lord was very precious to my soul. Blessed 
be his holy name, I shouted his praises on my bed of 
pain and suffering. 

I must record a strange coincidence which occurred 
during this affliction, and one which I have often looked 
back to with much interest. At the worst stage of my 
disease, a few days before the time of my second quar- 
terly meeting, while dozing, I fancied that I was ascend- 
ing a high mountain. When in full view of its summit 
I found my strength was failing very fast; but I urged 
my way onward up its rugged side till near the top. At 
this point the mountain ascent was almost perpendicular, 
and cliff after cliff rose above me. I made another effort 
and succeeded in clambering up till I gained a foothold 
within a few yards of the much-desired place of rest. 
It was a moment of intense effort and anxiety. For a 
time my mind was overwhelmed in despair. I felt my 
strength entirely exhausted. However, I resolved to 
make another effort. I then took hold of some slender 
green shrubs that projected from the rocks, and by a 
mighty struggle succeeded in drawing up my weary frame 



348 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

to the summit of the mountain. On reacliing the top I 
instantly swooned away and fell prostrate on the ground. 
After I revived, on looking over the edge of the preci- 
pice I saw my presiding elder, Key. Joseph M. Trim- 
ble, standing on a cliff below me about ten feet. He 
looked up and smiled, and then addressed me in the most 
affectionate manner: "3Iy dear brother Mack, you have 
made a narrow escape, but, thank God ! i/ou are safe." 

The next Saturday was the time for the commencement 
of the quarterly meeting. Brother Trimble arrived on 
Friday evening, and entering my room found me alone. 
I was quietly dozing a little and my fever almost entirely 
gone. I was soon aroused by his feeling my pulse. On 
looking me in the face he smiled and addressed me as 
follows : My dear brother Mack, you have made a narrow 
escape, but, thank Grod ! you are safe.'' The reader will 
perceive that this is the same form of expression pre- 
cisely as he used when, in my night vision," I saw him 
standing on the mountain cliff. 

With the opening of spring I gained strength slowly, 
and found it difficult to fill my appointments. I preached 
my farewell sermon early in August, and took my depart- 
ure amid the tears and kind benedictions of a people 
that had deeply sympathized with me in all my "tribu- 
lations.'' Total numbers in society at the close of my 
labors, two hundred and thirty-six. 

The Greenfield station is small, but composed of good 
men and true, among whom are Judge Eckman, Jonn 
Boyd, Esq., Mains, Evans, Middleton, etc., and many 
others whose names I can not now call to remembrance. 
The Lord grant that I may meet them all in bright glory ! 



HILLSBORO; OHIO. 



849 



CHAPTER LIV. 

HILLSBORO, OHIO. 

HiLLSBORO is in Highland county, which takes its 
name from the high lands which form a dividing ridge 
between the Miami and Scioto rivers. It is a remark- 
ably healthy situation. The county was first settled in 
1801; the principal part of the first settlers were from 
Virginia and North Carolina, many of whom were 
Friends. Hillsboro was laid out as the seat of justice in 
1807. The original town plat contained two hundred 
acres, one hundred of which Mr. Ellicott, the proprietor, 
gave to the county, and sold the remainder at two dollars 
per acre.. It is the residence of Governor Allen Trim- 
ble, who settled here at an early day. Methodism was 
planted here at an early period. In 1806 Grovernor A. 
Trimble's house is mentioned as one of the preaching- 
places on Scioto circuit. At that time Rev. John Sale 
was presiding elder and Rev. James Quinn preacher in 
charge. 

I attended conference at Marietta, from which place I 
received my appointment to this station. I opened my 
ministry September 29, 1844, from these words: ''I am 
come to you in the fullness of the blessing of the Gros- 
pel of Christ" — Romans xv, 29 — and at our next coming- 
together I addressed them on the verse immediately fol- 
lowing: ^'Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord 
Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that 
ye strive together with me in your prayers to Grod for 
me." They soon made me feel that I was welcome to 
their station. My health returned and I preached with 
more liberty of spirit than I had ever done among a 



350 FOOT-PRIXTS or AN ITINERANT. 

strange people. Grod blessed his word, and souls were 
awakened and converted. 

At our first quarterly meeting the Lord poured out his 
Holy Spirit in a wonderful manner. On Monday night 
the altar was filled with mourners, and a number con- 
verted to Grod. The Oakland Female Seminary shared 
largely in the refreshing shower. The good work pro- 
gressed all winter. In the spring I had some alterations 
and repairs made on the old church, and the pulpit mod- 
ernized. 

At the close of the conference held in Cincinnati I 
was returned to Hillsboro station, and commenced my 
labors September 28, 1845. My health became poor, yet 
I preached twice nearly every Sabbath. God favored us 
with another year of great prosperity. We sold the old 
parsonage-house, and raised money enough, by subscrip- 
tion, to build a new and elegant one on the lot immedi- 
ately adjoining the church. Grod greatly prospered me 
in my own soul while laboring in Hillsboro. I read and 
prayed much, and often studied my sermons on my knees. 
Whenever I succeeded in steeping them in my heart, I 
did not labor as one that beateth the air." 

I will now relate how strangely I was exercised at one 
time early on a certain Sabbath morning. During the 
previous week I had made a '^labored preparation'^ for 
the pulpit. While engaged in pondering over it some- 
thing seemed to whisper in my ear, '^What is all this 
for? Will Grod be glorified or his kingdom advanced by 
such an effort?" I was reproved by the Spirit. I felt 
it deeply in my soul. I fell upon my knees and said, 
''Lord, show me the way I should take; I am nothing; I 
am in thy hands. ' To me who am less than the least of 
all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among 
the Grentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.' " I 
took another text and preached a plain^ practical sermon 



HILLSBORO, OHIO. 



851 



God owned his word. A glorious revival commenced, 
which continued nearly all the winter. Many found 
peace in believing. Among this number were several of 
the young ladies of the Oakland Female Seminary. 

In the early part of my connection with the station 
at Hillsboro I was greatly annoyed by two or three per- 
sons who styled themselves Second Advent Believers/' 
but now generally known as Millerites. I must record 
here some of the injurious effects of this fanatical de- 
lusion in Hillsboro and the immediate vicinity. Some 
quietly withdrew from our society, but others remained 
still with us, who disturbed the peace and tranquillity of 
the whole society. It was ardently hoped by their 
friends that, after frequent disappointments as to the 
time of the "general conflagration/' they would be led 
to renounce this unscriptural dogma or heresy. But in 
this we were all doomed to a sad disappointment. I 
preached a special sermon on that subject, and warned 
them of the fearful consequences of departing from the 
faith once delivered to the saints. 

I will now furnish my readers with the outline of that 
sermon : 

"And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with 
enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet 
am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your 
order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As 
ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so 
walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stab- 
lished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding 
therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil 
you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradi- 
tion of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not 
after Christ." Colossians ii, 4-8. 

St. Paul was now a prisoner in bonds at Rome. He 
regrets that he could only serve the Colossians by his epis- 



352 



FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



Ue and jprayers. He declares his agony, or conflict/' 
for tbem and the Churcli at Laodicean and for all wlio 
liad not seen his face in the flesh. St. Paul regarded 
the Grospel as a glorious treasure — the perfection of all 
the preceding dispensations^ and a perfect revelation of 
the will of Grod to man. He knew the danger to which 
the Church at Colosse was exposed; hence the note of 
timely warning, ^^This I say, lest any man beguile you/' 
etc. In addressing you I shall notice, 
I. The apostle's rejoicing, and the ground of it. 
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with 
you in the spirit,'' etc. It is a disputed point whether St. 
Paul knew what was passing in the Churches without 
being present in body. It is probable that he had this 
gift bestowed on him at certain times 3 as in the case 
of Elisha, who told the king of Israel what passed in the 
bedchamber of the king of Assyria. The apostle had 
not visited Colosse; he had not seen their faces in the 
flesh; yet he had heard a favorable report of them, and 
from the day that he first heard of their faith and stead- 
fastness in Christ he ceased not to pray for them, and to 
give thanks to God — though absent in the flesh, he was 
present in spirit, yo?/^?^^. The ground of this rejoicing 
was their order and the steadfastness of their faith in 
Christ. 

1. Their ^'■orderT Regularity marked all their delib- 
erations. He was pleased with their established usages 
All things were done decently and in order. This was 
one ground of the rejoicing of St. Paul. 

2. The ^^steadfastness of your faith.'' This was an- 
other ground of his rejoicing. They were stable, uni- 
form, not given to change. They were consistent in 
their profession of religion; not soon moved from the 
hope of their calling, nor carried about by every wind of 
doctrine; not like Bome in our times, a Methodist to-day, 



HILLSBORO; OHIO. 



353 



a Presbyterian to-morrow; next week an Episcopalian, 
next year a Baptist, then a Universalist, next a Mormon, 
and last of all a Millerite. This leads me to notice this 
wide-spread delusion more particularly, according to 
promise made on last Sabbath night. 
11. The warning or caution given in our text. 
This I say, lest any man should beguile you.'^ The 
very idea of a seducer is repulsive. Satan seduced our 
first parents in the garden of Eden. Wicked men still 
seduce one another. But how alarming to think of 
those professing to be guides or teachers of the way of 
life, being only seducers, ''beguiiing men with enticing 
words," or spoiling them through jphilosojplii/ or vain de- 
ceit! If this warning was necessary eighteen hundred 
years ago, it is more necessary at the present time. If 
there were f Ise prophets of old among the people, cer- 
tainly we have false teachers in the Church now. There 
were many teachers of this kind troubling the Church 
at Colosse. Some said there was neither angel nor sjpiritj 
others denied the ^^resurrection of the dead,'' while some 
said it was past. Some affirmed the same hody would 
be raised, others declared a new one, phoenix-like, would 
come out of the ashes of the old. Some were zealous in 
their advocacy of the soul-sleeping scheme. The Plato- 
nists represented demons as carrying prayers up to God 
and bringing back answers. St. Augustine prayed for 
the dead. Now, all these our apostle called ^^vain and 
deceitful,'^ because they did not conduct to inward piety 
of heart, but beguiled unstable souls. So it is in our 
day. The present is an age of error. Many new and 
false systems of religion have recently been comjpiledj 
and are now propagated with a zeal worthy of a better 
cause. The old heresies and errors of past ages have 
been revived — rehaptized, and sent out to beguile men 
under a new name and with a more hewitching garb. 
30 



354 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

There is notliing very new under the sun, after all, in 
false doctrines. The "world-burners" existed in the 
Church at Thessalonica. The peace and harmony of the 
brethren were disturbed by a class of teachers who pro- 
fessed to knoiu the time of the second advent of Christ. 
2 Thessalonians ii^ 1, 2: "Now we beseech you^ breth- 
ren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our 
gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken 
in mind, or be troubled, neither hy spirit, nor hy word, 
nor hy letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at 
hand.'' How important the additional note of warning 
in my text, "Beware, lest any man spoil you through j^/i^- 
losophy or vain deceit V False teachers are rohbers of 
God's dear children, and spoilers of his heritage. The 
apostle does not condemn true philosophy. Solomon, the 
wise man, was a philosopher, and so was David, the sweet 
singer of Israel. God^s works are still sought out of 
them that take pleasure therein. "True philosophy is 
the improver of reason, the guide of our faculties, and 
teaches us the true knowledge of God and of ourselves, 
and is no hinderance, but the aid or handmaid of relig- 
ion." But "vain deceit," unprofitable speculations, and 
traditions of men, false philosophy, despoil and damn the 
soul. 

in. The ANTIDOTE, OR REMEDY. 

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, 
so walk ye in him : rooted and built up, and stablished 
in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein 
with thanksgiving." 

Here, my beloved hearers, is the grand specific, or Gos- 
pel halsam — the only effectual remedy against the pre- 
vailing errors of the day. Nothing will save you from 
being turned away from "^Ae truth as ye have heen taught," 
but walking in Christ Jesus." Neither learning, nor 
philosophy, nor mere knowledge, however varied, either 



HILLSBORO, OHIO. 



355 



human or divine^ will secure you against seducers" and 
vain and deceitful philosophies. The best antidote is a 
holi/ life, walking humbly with God — following in the 
footsteps of the Savior, rooted and built up in him, and 
stablished in the faith." No lion shall be there, nor any 
ravenous beast shall go up thereon. We must first get 
out of the way before danger can befall us on our pilgrim- 
age to Mount Zion. When men become ^^wise above 
what is written," they soon embrace some deadly error or 
heresy. Pious and devoted men never fall into grievous 
errors. We need a holy ministry and a self-denying 
membership, striving together for the faith of the Gospel. 
Then will God arise for our help, and in righteousness 
'^recompense tribulation to them that trouble us." Then 
shall we be "delivered from unreasonable and wicked 
men," and the Lord shall direct all our hearts into the 
love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ. 
Amen. 

** There tlie simple can not stray, 
Babes, thougli blind, may find the way — 
Find, nor even thence depart, 
Safe in lowliness of heart; 
Far from fear, from danger far, 
No devouring beast is there ; 
There the humble walk secure, 
God hath made their footsteps sure" 

The Millerites, notwithstanding, turned a deaf ear to 
all my private admonitions and public warnings from 
the sacred desk. With most astonishing tenacity they 
clung to their favorite theory of the near approach of a 
"burning world." They continued to "wax worse and 
wor?e," " deceiving and being deceived," till several of 
them were almost ruined. A short time before the 
period fixed for the winding up of the affairs of this mun- 
dane sphere, five of the deluded followers of Mr, Jacobs 



356 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

at Cincinnati, who was one of the principal leaders 
among the Millerites in the west, visited Hillsboro. The 
object of their visit, according to their own statement, 
was to assist their brethren and sisters in that town and 
the surrounding country before the great and notable day 
of the Lord should come, as they were pleased to phrase 
it, all they could. Their visit was succeeded by the 
two "angels," or "little children," as they called them- 
selves, ladies with whom I had formed an acquaintance 
while stationed in Cincinnati. They were recent con- 
verts of Mr. Jacobs, and were sent out by the "faith- 
ful" to assist others in "getting into the kingdom." 
Not long after the arrival of the "angels," alias certain 
women, Mr. J. M. and Mr. F. Gr. and wife were all sud- 
denly "born into the kingdom" with the aid of these 
celestial visitants. (?) Their regeneration was succeeded 
by the following ceremonies, such as "washing of feet," 
the "holy kiss," and a desire to share all their worldly 
goods "in common." A short time after the departure of 
the "angels" Mr. M. informed his wife and children that 
he had been instructed — by the "angels," I suppose — to 
sell all tbat he had and move immediately to the Queen 
City of the west, and spend the remnant of his short life in 
the society of the " children of the kingdom," who were 
collecting there from all parts of the Union. To this 
wild proposition the wife and children unanimously ob- 
jected; for, to their credit be it spoken, not another 
member of the household was tinctured in the slightest 
degree with Millerism. He then told them they must 
take care of themselves, for he was determined to leave 
all for Chrisfs sake. He then calmly delivered over to 
his wife all his notes and papers that were of any real 
value. He stated that since his conversion to "spirit- 
ualism" he had lost all "natural affection" or earthly 
desires, and intended to lead a life of strict "self 



HILLSBORO, OHIO. 



357 



deniaP^ till the time of the second advent^ that was near 
at hand. He then^ in a very solemn manner, bade them 
all a final adieu, came to Cincinnati and joined him- 
self to the followers of Mr. Jacobs. I think he is still 
living, but has never returned to live with his family 
[at Hillsboro. Poor deluded man ! He left a comforta- 
(ble homestead and a respectable and interesting family 
with whom he might have spent the evening of life in 
peace and quietude. The indignation of the Church 
and community was greatly increased by the visit of the 
'^angels" and the unhappiness resulting to the family, 
of brother M. But the disastrous effects of their last 
visit did not stop with the alienation of Mr. M. from 
his lovely family. Mr, F. G-. and wife, for they were 
agreed, only tarried behind a little season to enable 
them to dispose of their valuable farm and household 
goods to better advantage. For this they had been 
instructed beforehand by the angels/' I conversed with 
him not long after their departure, and he assured me 
that he was now convinced that it was his duty imme- 
diately to sell all that he had and give it to the poor — 
the followers of Mr. Jacobs — or else he could not enter 
the kingdom of heaven. He went home and fixed upon 
a day for a public vendue of his stock and household 
furniture, and then returned to town and offered his farm 
to one of our brethren for less than half its real value. 
At last he declared his intention to sell at any 'price; 
for he now considered it wicked to put a price or value 
his own property so soon to be destroyed. He said all 
must go now just for what his neighbors were willing 
to give, be it much or little. This was another part of 
his new creed, or one of the conditions of getting 
into the kingdom.'' He repeatedly declared his inten- 
tion to sell all that he had and give to the poor," and 
when it was all gone he knew the Lord would "compel 



358 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



the wicked to maintain him and his family" till the 
Judge should come. 

I was soon convinced that he was partially deranged, 
and rendered incapable by the celestial visitants (?) of 
attending to his secular concerns. I consulted with his 
brothers; who are worthy and intelligent men, and all 
members of our Church, on what was the best course to 
take to keep him from self-ruin and his family from 
poverty. After prayerful deliberation it was finally con- 
cluded, as a dernier resort, to make an appeal to the 
strong arm of the law. Accordingly, an inquest was 
immediately taken under the statute of the state of 
Ohio, ^^providing for the safe-keeping of idiots, lunatics, 
and insane persons, and for the better management of 
their estates," etc. And on the 16th of February, 1846, 
Mr. Gr. was brought before Judge Lilly, one of the asso- 
ciate judges of the county of H. A jury of five per- 
sons were impanneled and sworn to inquire into the 
"state of mind" of Mr. F. Gr. This by many was con- 
sidered a novel and high-handed measure; but our trust 
was in God for the good that was to follow, and we re- 
solved to turn neither to the right hand nor to the left, 

Judge was employed on the part of the state, but 

Mr. Gr. resolved to plead his own cause. An intense 
excitement prevailed, and the spacious court-room was 
filled to its utmost capacity. The trial proceeded in the 
regular form. Competent physicians were sworn, and 
gave it as their opinion, after examining carefully the 
state of Mr. Gr.'s mind, that he was not competent to 
attend to his secular afi'airs. The counsel for the state 
then requested Mr. Gr. to state to the jury and court 
the reasons for his strange conduct in desiring to sell his 
farm, etc. In answer to this question Mr. Gr. promptly 
replied, "I have been so instructed by the ^angels' as 
the 07il^ condition of my ^getting into the kingdom/" 



HILLSBORO; OHIO. 359 

And he also remarked that, during the last night, after 
the "delightful ceremony of washing each other's feet/' 
while reading in the New Testament, he came to these 
words, "Yet lackest thou one thing: go and sell all that 
thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt 
have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me;" that 
he saw the words, "go and sell all that thou hast,'' on 
fire. "What kind of fire ?" inquired Judge P. "Why, 
fire that gives light," answered Mr. Gr. "What," re- 
plied Judge P., "do I understand you to mean literal 
fire, such as we use in our fireplaces to keep us warm V 
"Yes, sir," answered Mr. Gr., "that is exactly what I mean 
to say." Judge P. then remarked that he was willing 
to submit the case to the jury without a single remark. 
The jury retired, and, after examining the testimony 
and all the facts presented before them, returned into 
court with their verdict in the following words : 

"We, the subscribers and jurors, impanneled and sworn 
to inquire into the state of mind of Mr. F. Gr., having 
heard the evidence in his case, do find the same F. Gr. to 
be insane, and incapable of attending to his ordinary busi- 
ness; and that he is not so furiously mad as to render 
it dangerous to the peace and safety of the community 
that he should be permitted to go at large. We further 
find that he owns one hundred and thirty-six acres of 
land, worth two thousand, five hundred dollars, the annual 
rent of which is worth seventy-five dollars. We also 
find that he is possessed of personal estate to the amount 
of eight hundred and thirty-seven dollars. 

"Signed, " , 

a 

a 

J 

(( 

(( 

On hearing the verdict Mr. G. remarked that he had 



360 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

but one request to make of the court, and that was this, 
that they would appoint the ^'biggest devil in Hillsboro 
for his guardian. After which he became a little more 
subdued and composed, and remarked to the court, 
"Gentlemen, you have ruined me, and now I give you 
warning that to-morrow about this time I will pass 
through Hillsboro with my wife and eight children on 
foot, notwithstanding there is snow on the ground. And 
in this way we will travel to Cincinnati, leaving all 
behind us for the sake of Christ." The court then 
adjourned, and on the day following, agreeably to the 
sixth act of the statute above referred to, the associate 
judges of the county appointed Captain as guard- 

ian for the estate and his wife and eight helpless chil- 
dren. This course proved successful beyond our most 
sanguine expectations. He could not procure means to 
go away, and had not the courage to depart "empty- 
handed," as he had threatened at the close of the trial. 
After the excitement was over he said we all intended to 
do him harm;- but divine Providence overruled our wicked 
designs. But I have no doubt he must feel grateful at 
this hour on the reflection that we prevented his utter 
temporal and perhaps spiritual ruin. God grant that I 
may meet him and his dear family in heaven ! 



CHAPTER LV. 

A VISIT TO THE MILLERITE TABERNACLE. 

The storm of Millerism and come-outism, which swept 
over the Churches at that time, with all its anti-religious 
developments, may be easily traced to their true cause — 
a desire to be wise above what is written; to improve on 
Divine revelation. As one has remarked, we only want a 



VISIT TO A MILLERITE TABERNACLE. 361 

faith strong enough to helieve up to what is revealed, and 
also strong enough to confide all heyond into the' hands of 
the Judge of all the earth, who will most assuredly do 
what is right. Cincinnati was headquarters for this de- 
luded people. They first constructed a ^^big tent/' of 
canvas, one hundred feet in diameter, that would seat 
over two thousand persons. It was a movable afi"air, like 
the tents of the Israelites. It was taken to Springfield 
and Dayton, Ohio, and to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. When 
their numbers increased, they also erected a brick taber- 
nacle on the corner of Seventh and John streets, in Cin- 
cinnati. It would seat comfortably about twenty-five 
hundred persons. Here they continued' to preach and 
worship till the period fixed for the " end of time.'' 

Rev. William Miller, the founder of this sect, stated in 
his fourteenth proposition, in the "Midnight Cry," Feb- 
ruary 24, 1843 : 

"I believe the time can be known by all who desire to 
understand and be ready at his coming. I am fully con- 
vinced that between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 
1844, according to the Jewish mode of computation of 
time, Christ will come and bring all his saints with him, 
and that he will reward every man according to his 
work." 

They all finally united upon the 22d day of October, 
1844, and made their arrangements accordingly. In the 
last issue of the "Midnight Cry," on the 19th of Octo- 
ber, three days before the appointed time for the destruc- 
tion of this mundane system, may be found the following 
last warning: 

"Reader, this is the last morning; and now, at the 
eleventh hour, we ask you, are you awake? 'Tis too 
late to talk of redeeming misspent moments. Be wise 
to-day! 'Tis madness to defer now, on the borders of 
eternity. Fly to the arms of Jesus!" 



362 



rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



In addition to this they issued several thousand copies 
of the ^'Midnight Cry/' with this imposing heading iu 
large letters : 

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet 
himT' 

In this document there was a summing-up of the prin- 
cipal arguments, and a specification of the time for the 
world's destruction. As I had had considerable trouble 
with some of them in my congregation, I concluded to go 
down to Cincinnati and witness for myself the finale of 
this wide-spreading delusion. I arrived there in good 
time, but was told that the house was so full I could not 
get in. They ^ spent the night in '^watching for their 
Lord/' but he did not appear. The next morning I was 
informed they were still robed/' and at the tabernacle, 
wondering why he "delayed his coming." I met Judge 
Johnston, and we agreed to go down in company at nine 
o'clock. On our arrival there we found the house still 
about two-thirds full. Some were standing, and others 
walking about, distributing a paper headed the "Last 
Warning." At times they would sing a beautiful hymn. 
About twelve o'clock they became exceedingly restless, 
and some started to leave. Then an old veteran, called 
Deacon Smith, arose and remarked, with a strong voice, 
"Brethren and sisters, we have now arrived at the Red 
Sea. I exhort you, one and all, to stand still and see the 
salvation of God !" Then, pulling out his watch to note 
the time, he said, "My faith is unwavering; the time is 
not up yet by more than one hour." This speech was 
followed by many hearty responses, and one or two Mil- 
lerite songs. A Mr. H. next arose and said, "If Christ 
does not come this day I will believe this Bible false !" 
clapping his hands violently on the word of Grod before 
him. A sister then spoke incoherently for a considerable 
time, clearly evincing that her mind had lost its proper 



V 



VISIT TO A MILLERITE TABERNACLE. 363 

balance. When slie was done speaking, another lady, 
with whom I was well acquainted, arose to "show us her 
opinion/' and wound up some very foolish and common- 
place remarks by saying, ^Hhat she knew this was the 
time for Christ's second coming, for when she got up on 
yesterday morning she saw red streaks in the sky toward 
the east.'' This was one of the ablest arguments (?) 
offered on that occasion. About one o'clock, Eev. Deacon 
W. arose and spoke substantially as follows : "I never did 
fix upon the precise time myself, and I always told my 
brethren they would get into trouble if they did ; but 
they would not listen to me, but followed other leaders. 
My faith is this: I believe that at this period the ^sign 
of the Son of man will appear in heaven,' " but how much 
longer after the appearance of the ^^sign of the Son of 
man," before the Son of man would actually appear, he 
could not inform them; but said, ^'Brethren, as this is a 
Jewish reckoning, made for the land of Palestine, there 
must be some allowance made for 'latitude and longitude' 
when time is reckoned; but I tell you I believe the most 
important thing after all is, to be ready; and now I want 
you all to pray that your old friend J. W. may not be 
like some 'balloon ascensions' that I have witnessed in 
this city, which, after going up for a time, fall suddenly 
to the earth again; but when I do begin to ascend I hope 
[ may keep on till I enter the portals of paradise." This 
address was followed by hearty responses from the Ad- 
ventists, and laughter among the spectators. 

I might give other more amusing, yet not less instruct- 
ing parts of this religious farce. They were most fear- 
fully deluded by their leaders. Many of them I knew 
were sincere. Never, in all the history of the Church, 
was a people found waiting with more earnest expectation 
than those that looked for him on the "tenth day of the 
month," burning their lamps constantly, which gave a 



364 



FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



brilliant light till that day -which brought them into 
the middle watch of the Jewish year, and alas, alas! in 
midnight darkness relative to the time of the second ad- 
vent. Many of these men and women turned infidels. 
Rev. E. Jacobs joined the Shakers, but was so corrupt 
that they soon expelled him; and Rev. William Mil- 
ler has since deceased, but his works do follow him." 
Deluded man! Before his death he published a card, in 
which he says : 

^'The causes which required Grod's chastening hand 
upon us were, in my humble opinion, pride, fanaticism, 
and sectarianism. Pride worked in many ways. We 
ascribed our conquest in argument over our opponents to 
ourselves. We were seeking the honors and applause of 
men more than of God. We were some of us seeking to 
be leaders instead of being servants — ^boasting too much 
of our doings. 

Fanaticism. — know our enemies accused us of this 
before we were guilty, but this did not excuse us for run- 
ning into it. A thousand expressions were used without 
thought or reflection, and I thought sometimes very irrev- 
erently. 

Sectarianism. — We have adopted the very thing? we 
condemned in others, crying Babylon ! Babylon ! Baby- 
lon ! against all but Adventists." 

I close this chapter by asking all of my readers to ad- 
here to the instructions given in Matthew as to times 
and seasons. 



CHAPTER LYI. 

TEMPTATION AND VICTORY. 

In the latter part of the winter of — I was tempted ; 

thought I had lost all my ^hivotwn'' and greatly desited 



TEMPTATION AND VICTORY. 365 

an opportunity to preach the Grospel in other parts. Af- 
ter preaching twice in my own station on Sabbath I start- 
ed in a sleigh early on Monday morning to meet Kev. 
J. F. W. at his quarterly meeting in the village of Lex- 
ington, some twelve miles distant. I wished to reach 
there in time to preach for him at nine o'clock, but was 
disappointed. On my entering the church he had just 
closed the sermon, and was preparing to administer the 
sacrament. My soul was sad and cast down within me at 
the thought of having to return without an opportunity 
to preach. During the services brother W. remarked, ''I 
am sorry you did not get here in time to preach. I know 
the people would like to hear you." I replied, "No one, 
I suppose, is as much disappointed as myself. I am frank 
enough to tell you I desire an opportunity to preach 
much more ardently, I suppose, than any one wishes to 
hear me.'' On my saying this, brother W. smiled henig- 
nantly, and said, '^0, well, perhaps I can arrange it for 
you yet." At the close of the sacramental services, broth- 
er W. remarked to the congregation that the stationed 
minister from H. was present, and if they wished to hear 
him preach he was very willing to serve them before he " 
returned home in the afternoon. They all signified a 
willingness to stay provided I would agree to preach im- 
mediately after dinner. The hour was arranged for half 
past one o'clock. We all went up into the village and 
partook of a little refreshment, and repaired to the old 
frame church at the appointed time for the service. I 
felt deeply humbled before the Lord, and my inward cry 
was, "1 beseech thee show me thy glory." I stood in 
the altar, feeling such a sense of unworthiness that I did 
not wish to go into the pulpit. I took a plain text, and 
discoursed on a familiar subject. I had not proceeded 
far till " I heard the sound of a going in the tops of the 
mulberry trees." When about half-way through my ser- 



366 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

mon the Spirit of God took hold of the heart of a sinnei 
who was sitting near the center of the church. He soon 
began to shake like one of old while the apostle was rea- 
soning of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to 
come.'' At length he lifted up his voice and wept aloud, 
and afterward rose up and walked out into the aisle, 
wringing his hands in deep anguish of spirit. I took no 
notice of him, but continued to preach with an unusual 
degree of liberty and divine unction, till this poor 
awakened sinner" sprang more than his whole length, 
at one jump, toward the altar, grasped the railing with 
his hands, and fell on his knees in the most imploring 
attitude, crying out, 0, what shall I do, what shall I do? 
0, my Grod and Savior, what shall I do to be saved At 
this juncture I stopped suddenly and stepped upon the 
bench in the altar, and said to him as follows : '^Do you 
come here to ask me 'what you shall do?' I thank my 
God on your behalf, that I am commissioned by my divine 
Master to say to you, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and thou shalt be saved;' " and then, lifting up my hand 
toward heaven, I exclaimed, ''Behold, I bring you glad 
tidings!" "Behold, now is the accepted time! Behold, 
now is the day of salvation !" I could add no more. The 
congregation simultaneously rose to their feet, and some 
shouted aloud for joy, and others cried to God for mercy. 
As soon as I could be heard, I said, "Let us all pray;" 
and every one, young and old, saints and sinners, got 
down upon their knees. As the afternoon was now far 
spent, and the snow melting fast, I took my hat and cloak 
and stepped out as silently as I could, and started for 
home in my sleigh, while the congregation were stili 
"agonizing" in fervent prayer. I had scarcely got out 
of sight of the church before God set the soul of the 
struggling penitent, who had kneeled outside of the altar, 
at perfect liberty by the blood of his Son. I look 



OAKLAND FEMALE SEMINARY. 



367 



back to this reminiscence as one of the greenest spots in 
memory's waste. 

OAKLAND FEMALE SEMINARY. 

The Oakland Female Seminary is located at Hillsboro. 
It was organized May, 1839, and incorporated by the Ohio 
Legislature, February, 1848, with power to confer diplo- 
mas and literary honors. It is, therefore, in fact, a "Fe- 
male College." The title '^Mistress of English Litera- 
ture" will hereafter be conferred on those who complete 
the ordinary English course, and the title "Miss of Lib- 
eral Arts" on those who study the Latin and Greek lan- 
guages in addition to the English course. None gradua- 
ted at this Seminary till the summer of 1843, at which 
time four young ladies received the highest honors of the 
school. The following tabular view will give the number 
each succeeding year : 

1843 4 1847 3 1851 6 

1844 3 1848 5 1852 7 

1845 6 1849 6 1853 11 

1846 5 1850 9 1854 10 

Making the total number of graduates eighty-five. Twen- 
ty-six of these graduates, and thirty-one other pupils of 
this Seminary, have engaged in teaching after leaving 
school. One, Miss Mary J. Bowen, has been a missionary 
among the Creek Indians. I had the pleasure of witness- 
ing the conversion of a large number of the young ladies 
connected with this institution during the two years that 
I labored in H. Six of the graduates have gone to an- 
other and happier clime. The number of pupils has 
varied in difi'erent years from seventy-six to one hundred 
and thirty-six. The number, of late, is not as large as 
usual, owing to the improved condition of the public 
schools in Hillsboro; but a larger number are from abroad 
than at any former period. Many will not come unless 
they can board with the Principal. This has been a hin- 



368 



TOO r-i>K,ii\ Ts or an itinerant. 



derance to the prosperity of the school from the begin 
ni^ig. But this difficulty will soon be obviated. A large 
and beautiful edifice will be erected during the next year 
The main building is to be ninety feet long and forty 
five feet wide, and three stories high. The L will be sixt^ 
by thirty-five, and two and one-half stories high. The 
upper story of the main building will be the dormitory 
Teachers and pupils are to sleep in the same room, in 
single beds; and the room occupied by sleeping alone. 
This is the plan of the English and French boarding- 
schoolS; and is thought by many to be the best way to 
preserve good order and prevent all mischief. The cost 
of the new building is estimated at twenty thousand dol- 
lars. The title will be changed from Oakland Female 
Seminary to Hillshoro Female College. Rev. Joseph 
M'Dowell Mathews has been the Principal of this school 
from its commencement. He is a popular teacher, and 
has a strong hold upon the affections of the citizens of 
Hillsboro generally. He is a good man and true. My 
intercourse with him during my connection with the sta- 
tion was always agreeable and profitable to myself. 
Brother Mathews is a native of Kentucky. He came to 
Hillsboro and commenced teaching in the Hillsboro 
Academy in October, 1827. This was the beginning of 
that institution of learning. In the fall of 1831 he gave 
up the school and joined the Ohio annual conference. 
His first appointment was Chillicothe station, where he 
remained two years. In 1883 he was stationed in Cincin- 
nati with Doctor Sargent — who died in the pulpit on 
Christmas day. Doctor Trimble, Rev. J. B. Finley, Rev. 
John Collins, were his colleagues. During the winter the 
health of brother M. failed entirely, and in April, 1834, 
he left the city. During the summer his health was par- 
tially restored, and in the fall he purchased a farm near 
Hillsboro, and labored as much as he was able. By 



OAKLAND FEMALE SEMINARY. 



869 



this means his health gradually improved. In the fall of 
1834 he located^ but was readmitted a year or two after- 
ward to act as agent of Augusta College^ but was only 
able to serve the institution efficiently for about two 
months. At the next annual conference he again located. 
In the spring of 1839 he commenced the Oakland 
Female Seminary, where he has labored most efficiently 
for the last sixteen years. Eight years ago, at the session 
of our conference at Columbus, brother M. was readmit- 
ted into the traveling connection, by the unanimous con- 
sent of his brethren. He is an eloquent minister, but in 
consequence of a bronchial derangement he is unable to 
preach regularly. 

In the year 1845 the unfortunate division between the 
north and south transpired. I had several dear friends in 
the ministry that finally united with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church South. It grieved my heart to part with them, 
especially with one who had been my colleague for two 
years. I loved him as Jonathan loved David, and as years 
roll away he still has a warm place in my affections. We 
soon came to an understanding to "agree to disagree," and 
pray for each other's welfare. An honest difference of 
opinion should not destroy a " brotherly affection " among 
Christian ministers or private members of the Church of 
God. My neighbor's garden may contain many fragrant 
roses and beautiful flowers, although the entrance to it or 
the internal arrangements mxay differ from my own. As 
Mr. Charles Wesley said to Whitefield, ''Friends of jar 
ring sentiments may agree." 

" Not in party's narrow banks confined, 
Not by sameness of opinion joined ; 
But cemented with a Redeemer's blood, 
Are bound together in the heart of God." 

The following beautiful letter from a beloved minister 
in the south, written not long after the final separation 



870 rOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

breathes the true spirit of a Christian. I feel it a pleas-^ 
ure to record it in my Foot-Prints." 

"My Dear Brother GtAddis, — Mason and Dixon's 
line is between yonr beautiful residence and the town of 

. You are in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 

I am now a humble member and minister of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church South. But are there any reasons 
why ^old acquaintance should be forgot and days of auld 
lang syne V Though my position with regard to certain 
principles of Church policy is changed in a slight de- 
gree — though my relation to the Church is different from 
what it was a few months ago — though many miles sepa- 
rate us, yet my heart is still the same, and my Christian 
friendship and brotherly love for Maxwell is just as warm 
as it ever was. And although we labor in different fields, 
and receive our appointments from different bishops, yet 
it is the same great vineyard. We labor for a common 
Master; we have a common cross, and receive strength 
and grace through the same blessed Spirit. We kneel at 
the same mercy-seat, and repeat the same beautiful 
words: ^Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name.' 

''Then, as we bear that cross and labor for that 'Father,' 
and look with joyful anticipations to that bright heaven 
where 

•We may meet at Jesus' feet,' 

why may we not forget all differences of opinion, and 
grasp each other's hand as erst we did when we cultivated 
the same fields ? I was truly rejoiced when I received your 
kind letter, professing the continuance of your Christian 
regards and personal friendship. I had met so many 
darkened brows and cold looks that I began to think that 
in the eyes of my brethren of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church I was viewed as a reprobatey beyond the reach of 



THE EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE. 



871 



mercy, and lost to hope. I was glad to see your charity 
would still allow you to recognize me as a brother and 
Christian minister. I am much pleased with the spirit 
of the Southern Church so far as I have seen it developed. 
I hear no bitter denunciations of character. I hear no 
foul epithets applied to the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at the north, as a body, nor to the members of that 
Church as individuals. The worst I have heard said is, 
that Drs. Elliott, Bond, and Bangs are 'abolitionists.' 
The prevailing sentiment here is — Let us have peace; if 
we can not agree on Church government in all things, let 
us 'agree to disagree' on that, and unite at least in 
preaching a crucified Redeemer, and try and keep the 
devil from triumphing over our misfortunes. Let us all, 
at the north and south, go in for a universal and over- 
whelming revival of religion. 0, that this was the spirit 
all over these lands ! Would to Grod that every Method- 
ist preacher, itinerant and local, would say, and that in 
truth, 'I am determined to know nothing but Christ and 
him crucified I' Would that all our editors had it written 
in capitals over all their editorials! Then, indeed, 
might we expect to see our Church discharging her 
duties, and fulfilling the legitimate functions of her 
calling — 'spreading Scriptural holiness all over these 
lands.' God hasten the day when the Church shall 
learn war no more !' 



CHAPTER LYII. 

THE EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE. 

While residing at H., at the still and quiet hour of 
midnight I was aroused from my slumbers by a loud rap 
at the front door. I opened the window and looked out; 



372 FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

andj by the light of the stars, recognized Mr. B., one 
of my nearest neighbors, who kept a small bakery and 
beer saloon just across the alley. I inquired what he 
wanted. He replied that he wished me to come over 
immediately, and pray with a sick man who was sup- 
posed to be dying. I arose and followed him without a 
moment's delay. I passed through the drinking apart- 
ments into an adjoining room. Here lay a fine-looking 
man, full six feet in stature. He was a Virginian by 
birth, but, for several years past, a resident of H., and 
a township officer. About sundown, or in the early part 
of the evening, he called at that grocery, or saloon, to 
get something to drink. He saw a jug standing upon 
the counter with a cork in it; he pulled out the cork 
and smelled it, and said to Mr. B., " Well, as you have 
refused to give me something to drink, I will take a 
dram out of this gentleman's jug.'^ A voice of warning 
was instantly heard behind him, saying, ^'Let that jug 
alone, sir ; it contains ar portion of prussic acid !" But 
the warning voice was disregarded. The poor inebriate 
smelled the fumes of the liquor in which the poisonous 
drug was put, and such was his thirst for another dram 
that, before any one could prevent him, the fatal po- 
tion was eagerly swallowed, and it was not long before he 
was seized with the agonies of death. When I entered 
the room he was in deep distress of mind; he felt that 
he was a great sinner, and must soon appear before his 
Grod. I prayed with him, and exhorted him to repent 
and employ the few hours that yet remained in trying to 
make preparation to meet his justly-offended Grod. At 
times he would cry out, " 0, my poor wife and helpless 
children, what will become of them I" Poor man ! he 
had a helpless wife and six children that were dependent 
upon his efforts for daily bread; bat now, by his love of 
strong drink, he fell in manhood's prime,'' the volun- 



THE EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE. 373 

tary victim of his own folly. He died early the next 
day, a most pitiful and excruciating death. This melan- 
choly occurrence produced an intense excitement in the 
community; but it soon subsided, and the widow and her 
six helpless children were soon forgotten. It is true, a 
"civil action^' was frequently spoken of, and all were 
loud in their condemnation of those who were considered 
accessory to his death. 

A few months after the death of this unfortunate 
man, another more tragic and deeply-affecting circum- 
stance transpired in our midst. A Mrs. M^C, for sev- 
eral years, was gradually wasting away by a pulmonary 
affection. I formed her acquaintance a short time after 
I commenced my pastoral labors in the town of H. Mr. 
M'C. was an excellent tradesman, and competent to pro- 
vide a good living for his wife and children, but, by 
intemperance, had disqualified himself for carrying on 
the saddlery business any longer. He moved from one 
house to another, and from one town to another, till his 
reputation and means were all squandered, and the con- 
stitution of his delicate wife completely broken. At 
length they were compelled to quit keeping house, and 
sister M'C. took lodgings with a near relative, who, at 
this time, was the keeper of the county jail, and lived in 
the prison on the opposite side of the street from my 
boarding-house. Her drunken companion left her to 
take care of herself, while he continued to lounge about 
the bar-rooms and drinking-saloons of the town. After 
sister M'C. was confined to bed, her decline was very 
rapid. It was my privilege to visit her often, and unite 
with her in prayer and thanksgiving. They were once a 
happy family. Her husband was frugal and industrious, 
and, although he had ruined himself by hard drink, I 
discovered that she clung to him with womanly affection. 
Not a murmur escaped from her lips. Although sur- 



374 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



rounded by poverty, and dependent on the kindness of 
friends for support in the last days of her life, she en- 
ioyed 

" The eternal sunshine of the spotless mind, 
Each i^rayer accepted, and each wish resigned." 

Fifteen years' painful experience as the wife of a drunk- 
ard, had taught her to trust not in " an arm of flesh,'' 
but in the living God. A sad and mournful expression 
was stamped upon her countenance whenever she re- 
called to mind the trials through which she had been 
called to pass; but the path of sorrow, if we are the 
children of God, "leads to the land where sorrow is un- 
known.'' She was now evidently drawing near the close 
of her pilgrimage ; all the days of her appointed time 
were numbered; the fatal malady was making rapid 
progress, but her prospect of future bliss was cheering. 
Her confidence was unshaken by the near approach of 
the king of terrors; the horrors of the wilderness were 
behind her, and now she stood on the bank of the river 
of Jordan, 

" A weary pilgrim, sighing for the rest to come." 

I visited her late on Saturday. That night she en- 
tered heaven, amid the songs of angels and the greetings 
of kindred friends. On Sabbath afternoon she was fol- 
lowed to the grave by the members of our Church and a 
very large concourse of the citizens. 

But I must hasten to give the contrast. There is a 
darker shade to this picture than I have yet portrayed — 
a most gloomy one, that I would gladly forget if I could 
It presents the close of their lives, as wife and husband, 
in fearful contrast. When Mrs. M'C. was dying, a mes- 
senger was sent after her husband, but he refused to 
come, although she greatly desired to see him. At the 
mention of her name he wept like a child, yet, strange 



THE EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE. 375 

ro relate, he refused to see her die, notwithstanding the 
importunities of her relatives. On Sabbath morning, 
when told that she was dead, he lifted up his voice and 
wept aloud, and upbraided himself for such cruel treat- 
ment and long-continued neglect of one so confiding and 
forgiving. He then poured fiery anathemas upon the 
rumsellers who had contributed to his ruin. Early in 
the morning he was seen coming out from a whisky-shop, 
wringing his hands in deep anguish of spirit, exclaim- 
ing, in an audible voice, as he walked down the middle 
of the street, ^^0, who will care for me now! While my 
poor wife lived, bad as I was, there was one, still one 
left to care for me in my misery; but, alas! alas! the 
only true friend, and the last friend I have in this wide 
world, is now numbered with the dead.^' His friends 
urged him to go to the funeral and see her buried, but 
he obstinately refused. While we were performing the 
sad funeral obsequies, he was walking about the streets, 
'^seeking rest, but finding none.'^ He was almost con- 
stantly bewailing his lonely and wretched condition; 
indeed, his grief was deep and poignant. He '^refused 
to be comforted ;" he declared, to all who conversed 
with him, that he was now forsaken of God and man. 
Just before we returned from the grave, he came down 
to the house where she died, and took a seat on the 
stone-step in front of the door. He wept aloud, and 
continued to exclaim, for some time, My only earthly 
friend is now gone to the grave — who, 0, who, who, who 
will care for me now? Not one! not one!'' He was, 
indeed, the very picture of despair; remorse and anguish 
were drinking up his spirits. For many years he had 
sowed to the wind, and now he was reaping the whirl- 
wind." Fear took fast hold upon him, the pains of hell 
seized him, and, in a wild state, bordering on frenzy or 
madness, he arose and ran up stairs into the room where 



376 



FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



his wife expired, and seized a vial of laudanum; which 
he had procured for his wife some time previous to her 
death; and swallowed the entire contents. He exclaimed; 
after taking it; ^'Why should I desire to live? I have 
no one to care for me. My only friend is dead and 
buried; I have now no desire to live any longer." He 
soon sank down into a state of coma. 

In about twenty minutes after he had taken the lauda- 
num; I was called over to see him. It was a most excit- 
ing scene. The physicians of the place tried various 
remedies to counteract the effects of the fatal drug, but 
they were all ineffectual. About sundown he was re- 
moved, upon a cot; to an untenanted housC; where he 
expired about midnight. He was attended; during his 
last hourS; by some half a dozen kindred spirits; who 
spent the remaining hours of the night in singing songs 
and mirthful '^story-telling'^ around his lifeless corpse. 
He was interred the next morning at ten o'clock. As 
the procession moved out to the place of interment; I 
was struck with the contrast. At the burial of sister 
M'C; on Sabbath afternoon; hundreds of the best men 
and women of the town; and vicinage, were in attend- 
ance; while the remains of her husband were followed to 
the grave by about twelve or thirteen men. Not a lady 
was to be seen in the funeral procession; not even his 
own relatives. 

"No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God;'' 
but add to drunkenness the crime of self-murder; how 
dark the picture ! how terrible a coming retribution I 0, 
what domestic sorrow and wretchedness is occasioned by 
the sale of intoxicating liquors ! How it breaks the 
harmony of the family circle ! Who but Grod that seeth 
the heart can count the tears and agonies of a heart- 
broken wife — the innocent and unoffending wife of the 
drunkard ! How fenrful to r-ontemplate the ravages 



THE EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE. 377 

whicli the infernal spirit of rum is making in tlie hearts 
and nomes of multitudes ! How it consumes all that is 
lovely in human character^ and implants in its stead the 
most hideous passions ! It disregards that holiest tie, a 
mother's love, and strongest restraint, a mother's influ- 
ence. These all have failed to prevent many a child 
from ruin by the vice of intemperance. There is not 
one bright page upon record of its progress — nothing to 
shield it from the heartiest execration of the human 
race. But my pen is too feeble to portray the evils of 
intemperance. Portray the evils of intemperance, did I 
say! He does not live that can tell the whole story of 
its woes ! Exaggeration is impossible. The boldest 
fancy falters in its flight before it comes up to the fact; 
the mind's eye can not take in the countless miseries of 
its hapless victims ; no human art can put into that pic- 
ture shades darker than the truth. **Put upon canvas a 
picture of every conceivable thing terrible or revolting; 
paint health in ruins, hope destroyed, afi'ections crushed, 
prayer silenced; paint the chosen seats of paternal care, 
of filial piety, of brotherly love, of maternal devotion — 
all, all vacant I Paint all the crimes, of every form and 
every hue, from murder standing aghast over a grave 
which it has no means to cover, down to the meanest de- 
ception, still confident of success ; paint home a desert, 
and shame a tyrant, and poverty the legitimate child of 
vice in every community, and not its prolific mother; paint 
the dark valley of the shadow of death, peopled with 
living slaves ; paint a landscape with trees whose fruit is 
poison, and whose shade is death, with mountain tor- 
rents tributary to an ocean whose very waves are fire, 
and put into the most distant background the vanishing 
vision of a blessed past, and into the foreground the ter- 
rible certainty of an accursed future ! Paint prison, 
with doors that only open inward; people the scene with 



S78 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

men whose shattered forms are tenanted by tormented 
souls; with children, upon whose lips no smile can play 
and with women, into whose cheeks furrows have been 
burnt by tears, wrung by anguish from broken hearts 
Paint such a picture, and when you are ready to show it, 
do not let in the rays of the heavenly sun, but illuminate 
it with the glares of infernal fires, and still you will be 
bound to say the horrible picture falls short of the dread- 
ful reality." 



CHAPTER LYIII. 

BETHEL CHAPEL, THIRD WARD, CINCINNATI, 

In the fall of 1846 I was appointed to Bethel Chapel, 
Cincinnati, Ohio. This church was situated in the third 
ward, on Front- street, with the view of afi'ording the 
means of grace to our western boatmen. Through the 
indefatigable labors of a few noble spirits a lot had been 
procured, and the walls of the new chapel erected before 
my appointment. But on my arrival in the city I found 
the friends of the good cause much discouraged; and 
after making diligent inquiry "concerning those who 
had escaped which were left of the captivity, and con- 
cerning Jerusalem," I was called to a severe trial of 
my faith, and, like the prophet Nehemiah, I sat down 
and wept and mourned certain days, and fasted and 
prayed before the God of heaven. On the 20th day of 
September, 1846, I was conducted to a large brick build- 
ing in Cassilly's Bow, on Front-street, east of Broadway, 
and, after a fatiguing ascent by a winding series of steps, 
forty-four in number, I was ushered into the attic story, 
where I was shown a large upper room "furnished and 
prepared." This was the old Bethel^ where the mission 



BETHEL CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 



379 



vras j&rst commenced and a Sabbath scliool organized. 
[ found a small company of true believers anxiously 
awaiting the arrival of their new pastor. Never shall 1 
forget the feelings I experienced while ascending the 
stairway; I was almost exhausted before I reached the 
top, and, on getting to the pulpit, I panted for breath 
like one who had been running a race. After resting a 
little while, I opened my mission from these words — 
Pslam XX, 5 — ^^In the name of our God we will set up 
our banners. Before the close of the service we all 
felt that we were brought into his banqueting-house, and 
his banner over us was love. The faith of the little 
society was increased, and nearly all of them came for- 
ward and bid me welcome in the name of the Lord, and 
pledged themselves to aid me by their prayers. At an 
early period I heartily co-operated with the indefatigable 
board of trustees in urging forward to immediate com- 
pletion the new chapel, which had been erected and 
inclosed during the past summer. 

^^The good hand of our God was upon us" and pros- 
pered us exceedingly, even beyond the expectation of 
our most sanguine friends. Our new Bethel was ready 
for worship on the 8th day of November. The benevo- 
lent ladies of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the 
city presented us with money to purchase carpets for the 
altar and aisles, and also a beautiful flag, which was 
unfurled from the top of the building. As soon as the 
church was dedicated to the service of almighty God, we 
sent out the invitation in every part of the third ward 
and along the river shores, ^^Come, for all things are 
now ready.'' Before leaving the ^^old attic/^ east of 
Broadway, the clouds of mercy had gathered over us. 
I shall never forget a meeting held there on a rainy 
nigLt. I was reluctant to go, thinking no one would 
DC therC; the night was so dark and rainy. I went to 



380 



rOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



the door of my boarding-house and turned back, but my 
good host, brother Richard Ashcraft, took hold of me 
and literally compelled me to go. On our arrival at the 
head of the stairs, I was surprised to find a pretty good 
company of both men and women assembled to hear 
the word of life. I stood on the altar and preached for 
about thirty minutes, and then opened the doors of the 
Church, and, to my astonishment, nearly every uncon- 
verted person in the house joined the Church. As 
soon as the new house was opened for worship I had a 
neat, ornamented card, nine inches by twelve in length, 
printed, with the following inscription, and framed, and 
hung up in the hotels, steamboats, and coiTee-houses : 

BETHEL 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

CIXCIXXATI, OHIO. 

This beautiful brick chapel is situated on the south side of East 
Front-streetj between Pike and Butler streets, a short 
distance belo^r Deer creek stone bridge. 
This new and elegant building has been erected during the last 
year. It is fifty by eighty feet in letigth, and furnished 
in the very best style, and will accommodate 
a very large congregation. 

HOURS OF REGULAR WORSHIP. 

Preaching every Sabbath at eleven o'clock, A. M.. and half-past 
six o'clock, P. M. 

SABBATH SCHOOL 

Meets every Sabbath at two o'clock, P. M. 

PRATER MEETING 

Every Wednesday evening at half-past six o'clock. 

"And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up 
into the mountain of the Lord, to the [Bethel] house of the God of 
Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways." Isaiah ii, 3. 

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the houie 
of the Lord." Psalm cxxii, 1 . 



BETHEL CHAPEL; CINCINNATI. 



381 



" For a day in tliy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather 
be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the 
tents of wickedness." Psalm Ixxxir, 10. 

" They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, 
saying, Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual 
covenant that shall not be forgotten." Jeremiah 1, 5. 

" We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you." 
Zechariah viii, 23, 

" These temples of his grace, 
How beautiful they stand ! 
The honors of our native place, 
And bulwarks of our land ! 

In every new distress 

We'll to thy house repair ; 
We'll think upon thy wondrous grace, 

And seek deliverance there." 

Maxwell P. Gaddis, Pastor. 

Resides on Third-street, between Lawrence and Pike, at Mr 
Richard Ashcraft's. 

This card was the means of attracting hundreds to our 
new chapel; and it was not long till "the glory of the 
latter house was greater than the former.'^ The altar 
was soon crowded with broken-hearted penitents^ and the 
spacious edifice crowded every night to its utmost capac- 
ity. From the first of October^ 1846; in the old and 
new place of worship, to the beginning of the new 
year in 1847, one hundred and ten were added to the 
Church. By the help of God our numbers were more 
than doubled in less than three months. The work went 
steadily forward throughout the conference year, so that 
at its termination we numbered two hundred and thirty 
members. 

This was a year of hard labor, such as I never was 
called to endure before. I was very happy, and divinely 
aided in my varied duties. It was delightful to witness 
the success of the Gospel among the boatmen, and es- 
pecially among the ungodly in the third ward of the 



882 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Queen City. The Sons of Temperance finished and fur- 
nished the basement for the privilege of holding their 
meetings two or three nights in each week. At the time 
of the dedication the church was all finished and well 
furnished, with the exception of the seats. Our means 
were all exhausted^ and the trustees had no hope of being 
able to raise any more money during the conference year. 
In the spring I adopted the following plan : to divide the 
amount necessary into shares of ten dollars each and get 
the captains and owners of steam-boats to subscribe it in 
the name of their boats. ^This plan succeeded well, but 
it cost me many days of exposure and anxious solicitude 
while waiting to see the boats when at the wharf. When 
the work was all completed, and the seats neatly painted, 
I published the following card in the city papers, and 
caused a copy of it to be neatly framed and hung up in 
the lobby of the Bethel Chapel : 

^^A Card. — The undersigned, pastor of Bethel Chapel, 
in the behalf of himself and the praiseworthy society 
which he has the privilege to serve, would take the ear- 
liest opportunity of tendering his hearty and sincere 
thanks to the polite captains and officers of the following- 
named steam-boats, not only for their oft-repeated ex- 
pressions of kindness and good wishes for the success of 
our enterprise, but for their late noble and generous- 
hearted liberality in donating the sum of jive hundrea 
dollarsj an amount amply sufficient to furnish the Chapei 
with elegant seats. Our fervent prayer to God now is, 
that each of the generous donors may receive a 'hun- 
dred fold in this life,' and when done navigating the 
'stormy sea of life,' may each one of them 'strike 
soundings' in the haven of rest, and be welcomed to a 
seat in the mansions above ! 

" Maxwell P. G-addis, Pastor Betliel Chapel 

'' Cincinnati, March 21, 1847. 



BETHEL CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 



388 



"A list of the boats contributing: Yorktown, Pales- 
tine, Swiftsure No. 3, Clipper, Andrew Jackson, North 
America, Albatross, Triumph, New England, Thomas Jef- 
ferson, Duchess, Charles Carroll, Scioto, Belle of the West, 
Defiance, Commodore Perry, Mountaineer, Medium, Wis- 
consin, James Ross, Ben. Franklin No 6, Hendrick Hud- 
son, Cambria, Wave, Monongahela, Milwaukie, Pacific; 
Susquehanna, U. S. Herald, Anglo Saxon, Olivia, Domin- 
ion, Pike No. 7, Phoenix, Jamestown, Lady Madison, 
Daniel Boone, Fort Wayne, Paul Jones, Alhambra, Ohio 
Belle, George Washington, West Union, Western, Clip- 
per No. 2, Bell Air, Mary Pell, Yiola, Harkaway, Prairie 
Bird, Planet, Louis Philippe.'^ 

As the year passed on we organized two missionary 
societies in the new charge, one of which we designated 
the Collins Female Missionary Society, and the other, 
juvenile," we named after the late Bev. W. B. Chris- 
tie. I was often asked by the members what was the 
use of organizing two societies in a Church where the 
people were still in debt, and had already given more 
than they were able to liquidate old claims. I replied it 
was my duty to put all the macliinery in good order and 
in motion, and then trust in God to make it work prof- 
itably for his glory. I also gave notice that I would 
preach a missionary sermon and solicit a missionary sub- 
scription and contribution. Some thought it would be 
time misspent, and that all my labor would be lost. In 
the mean time, however, I started out the managers of 
the Collins Female Missionary Society," to collect the 
amount subscribed ^^constituting the membership" of 
iheir new society. 

On the Saturday evening previous to the time ap- 
pointed for the missionary sermon an incident occurred 
worthy of being recorded here. I had just finished the 
outlines of my discourse when I heard a gentle rap 



384 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

at my room door. I arose and opened it hastily, when to 
my astonishment there stood before me a venerable old 
man in very mean apparel. I had met him before, 
and supposed he had called to have a short conversation 
with me on the subject of religion. I asked him to 
come in and take a seat. He did so, but seemed to be 
much agitated. At length I discovered him with his 
hand in his pocket trying to get out a large roll of bank 
notes, which he soon held up in his right hand, and then 
addressed me in substance as follows: ''Mr. Gaddis, here 
is one hundred dollars that I have been at a loss to know 
what to do with. I have now carried it in my pocket for 
more than a week, during which time I have been to the 
bank frequently, thinking I would deposit it; but still I 
did not. I generally know what to do with my money as 
soon as it comes into my hands; but this money has 
troubled me. And now, my dear sir, I come to ask you 
to accept it as a donation to the cause of missions, which 
you are to advocate to-morrow. I am now old and gray- 
headed, and not a member of any Church, but I desire 
to make this my first missionary contribution through 
your society." 

The feeling of gratitude with which I received that 
donation is known only to the great Head of the Church. 
I felt that it was in answer to my fervent, importunate 
prayers for Grod to open the heart of some man of wealth 
to give us a liberal donation on that very occasion. I 
was to preach on the following Sabbath, and when J 
made this strange disclosure tears of joy ran down thj 
happy faces of the little society. We had from thu 
Bethel that year a collection of over one hundred ana 
fifty dollars for the cause of missions. 

The year closed with a high tide of prosperity. I 
reported over two hunircd mombcrs to the annual 'con- 
ference, the society hc'vlng th oiq than doubled its nutn- 



BETHEL CHAPEL, CINCINNATI. 88d 

bors during my labors. To God be all the glory for the 
good done ! 

An amusing incident occurred one evening at Bethel 
Cbapel. I bad just closed a sermon from these words, 
"A man shall be as a hiding-place.^' While standing in 
the altar to invite mourners forward for prayer, a large 
man arose about the middle of the house and said, 
^'What church is this, sir?" I replied instantly, "A 
Methodist church." To this my strange interrogator re- 
plied at the top of his voice, ^^Sir!" and turned his head 
to one side as if he did not hear me. I then stepped off 
the altar, and we met within about ten feet of the pulpit. 
I explained to him more fully the nature of the Bethel 
enterprise, and the object of opening a house of worship 
in that locality. At the close of my remarks he said, 
^'Yery well, very well. Now, sir," he continued, ^'I 
want to know of you to-night, whether you go in for free 
discussion in this Bethel Chapel." I then stepped back 
on the altar and remarked that would depend altogether 
upon the subject-matter to be argued, and the character 
of the person wishing to engage in what he called ^^free 
discussion." I also remarked that I disliked exceedingly 
to be interrupted in such an unceremonious manner 
while holding a protracted meeting. ^^Well, sir," said 
he, "if you will allow me to reply to your sermon on to- 
morrow night I will prove to the entire satisfaction of 
this audience that what 3^ou have said here this evening 
Is false, and that what you call the religion of the Lord 
Jesus Christ is ^ poor, mean, contemptible farced 

All this was said, too, in the most scornful and insult- 
HJg manner. Just at that moment brother R. Ashcraft, 
Esq., who was leading the singing and standing a little 
to my right, passed quickly behind me and walked down 
the aisle toward my infidel antagonist. I saw from the 
expression of brother Ashcraft that he was determined 

33 



38G 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



to ^^end the controversy for the present'^ in a summary 

way. This was anticipated by the impious Mr. , 

and he put himself in a defensive attitude^ much to the 
consternation of the female portion of the congregation. 
But brother Ashcraft passed on down the aisle as if he 
did not notice the defiant intruder. This maneuver 
threw the stranger off his guard, and he turned his face 
instantly toward me again. Brother Ashcraft, on seeing 
this, made a sudden spring backward and caught him by 
the nape of the neck, or collar of the coat, and threw 
this proud champion of infidelity, or "free discussion,'' 
upon his back on the floor with such force as to shake 
the church from one end to the other. In a moment 
Professor Herron and brother Livesy ran to his assist- 
ance, but before reaching the spot our unwelcome dis- 
putant rose to his feet; but brother Ashcraft gave him a 
much harder fall a second time, which so alarmed the 
ladies that many of them jumped up on the seats. How- 
ever, brother Ashcraft, with the assistance of two more 
of the trustees, soon restored quiet by the speedy ejec- 
tion of Mr. — = from the house. A police officer was 

called and the disturber of our assembly handed over for 
safe-keeping during the night. The next morning he 
was taken before the Mayor — Henry Spencer, Esq. — and 
fined ten dollars and costs of prosecution. The sum was 
paid immediately, and our Englishman went away mut 
tering to himself something disrespectful of "Youn^ 
America/' "freedom of speech,'' and "rights of cou 
science." 



THE ESCULAPIAN SPRINGS. 387 

CHAPTER LIX. 

A VISIT TO THE ESCULAPIAN SPRINGS. 

Feeling much indisposition of body, in consequence 
of hard labor, during the winter of 1847, I visited the 
Esculapian Springs, to recruit my failing strength. 
These springs are situated in a cove, on the eastern side 
of the first range of mountains, in the south-western 
part of Lewis county, Kentucky. The tract of land 
embracing them contains two hundred and fifty acres, 
the greater portion of which is not susceptible of culti- 
vation. 

These springs were first discovered by the western pio- 
neers, at an early period in the settlement of the state 
of Kentucky. When this western country was in a wil- 
derness state, and the population sparse, the buffalo and 
deer were the only regular annual visitors to the place 
now called Esculapia; but, after the cessation of Indian 
hostilities, they were resorted to occasionally by the 
hunters of Kentucky, who frequently encamped in the 
mountains contiguous to the springs for the purpose of 
securing the best game. I was informed, by an ^'old 
settler" in the neighborhood, that an Englishman, whose 
name was not now remembered, erected the first rude 
cabin at the springs. He removed to this place for the 
purpose of recruiting his health, which was seriously 
impaired by the long use of ardent spirits; but, despite 
the healing waters of Esculapia, he unexpectedly died, 
and was buried in a deep gorge of the mountain. No 
stone was placed to mark the spot, in consequence of 
which the quiet resting-place of the first tenant of the 
sulphur springs is unknown to this day. 

About thirty years ago Mr. John C. Powland purchased 



888 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

tlie land, and removed to the springs. He soon after- 
ward erected several small cabins for the accommodation 
of visitors. For many years but very few attempted to 
cross the rugged mountain by the winding footpath, ex- 
cept such as felt themselves able to encamp in the woods 
and endure hardships. Since that period it has fre- 
quently changed owners, and many excellent improve- 
ments have been made. Nature and art combined have 
already rendered it a most delightful summer retreat; 
and the waters are becoming more celebrated every year 
for their healing efficacy. The Chalybeate spring is the 
best and most copious I have ever seen. 

Soon after my arrival I was informed that a lady, occu- 
pying one of the cottages in " Western Row," was ill of 
consumption. 1 was also informed that she was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a former ac- 
quaintance of mine, and that she desired to see me as 
soon as I had leisure. Immediately after dinner I em- 
braced the opportunity of visiting her rural cottage. I 
have no language to describe my emotions when ushered 
into her sick chamber. She was so changed by sickness 
and long confinement to a couch of pain, that, at a 
first glance, I could scarcely discern one lineament of 
the expressive features of the once lovely and much- 
admired Miss Margaretta Silver, of North Bend, Ohio. 
When I met her last it was on her wedding-day. The 
flush of health glowed upon her cheek, and the light of 
hope flashed from her eye; but now how changed I — pale, 
sunken, and emaciated, with nothing to remind us of her 
former self but the cheerful smile, afi"ectionate look, and 
lustrous eye, which now seemed to glow with unearthly 
brightness I 

When I was seated, she spoke to me, with much emo- 
tion, in the following touching manner: ''Brother Gad- 
dis* it is a long time since we last met — several years 



THE ESCULAPIAN SPRINGS. 



389 



have gone bj — but 0; bow glad I am to meet jou here ! 
Little, indeed, did I expect to see a minister before my 
death ; surely, God has guided your footsteps to this 
pleasant retreat. Although I am perfectly happy, I have 
felt, for some time past, that it would be a great privi- 
lege to enjoy the conversation and have the prayers of a 
Christian minister.^' 

Having expressed my willingness not only to sympa- 
thize with, but to pray for her, and also to converse of a 
Savior's dying love, we fixed upon a suitable hour in the 
afternoon for such religious services as she desired. Five 
o'clock was the hour named, and, at the appointed time, 
with my pocket Bible in my hand, I entered the cottage 
of the dying Mrs. E,. Her husband, who had been ab- 
sent on business for some two weeks, at the city of C, 
had just returned. He received me very courteously, 
and requested that I should proceed immediately with 
such exercises as she desired. I then read a portion of 
the holy Scriptures, and united with her in prayer. The 
Spirit itself helped our infirmities, and made intercession 
for us with groanings that can not be uttered. 0, that 
was an hour of sweet communion never to be forgotten 
on earth ! Our fellowship was with the Father and the 
Son, and each of us felt that we had a High-Priest who 
could be touched with a feeling of our infirmities — an 
almighty Savior, and one who was indeed "able to save 
unto the uttermost.'' After prayer I commenced sing- 
ing, 

" Soou will the toilsome strife be o'er 
Of sublunary care, 
And life's dull vanities no more 
This anxious breast insnare. 

Courage, my soul ! on God rely, 

Deliverance soon Avill come ; 
A thousand ways has Providence 

To bring believers home." 



390 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



As we continued to sing, the happiness of sister K. ap- 
peared to be almost insupportable. Her feeble frame 
shook all over, and she began to clap her bands and 
shout aloud for joy; her countenance beamed with more 
than earthly brightness, as she continued, with a clear 
voice, to speak of the love of Jesus to her soul. Her tri- 
umphant shouts of victory attracted quite a number of 
persons to the door of her cottage. On seeing her hus- 
band weeping, she beckoned him to come to her bedside, 
and then threw her right arm around his neck, pressed 
him to her bosom, and imprinted on his cheek the silent 
but impressive token of her changeless love. She then 
said, with a look of affection that I will never forget, 
0, my dear husband, weep not for me, I am going 
home ! 0, happy day ! 0, sweet Jesus I What a pre 
cious Savior ! 0, what a happy day is this ! Sweetest 
and happiest of all my life ! 0, my dear husband, do 
not grieve for me, I am going home ! Our separation 
will be short. I know you will prepare to meet me in 
heaven I 0, I have missed you very much during your 
absence, but then Jesus was with me all the time ! His 
presence makes my paradise ! He has upheld me by his 
right hand, and blessed me wonderfully !" She then 
shouted aloud for some time, repeating those words fre- 
quently, ''0, happy day ! 0, happy day V' 

To her weeping mother, who was seated at the head of 
her bed, she said, 0, dearest mother, weep not for me 
when I am gone ! Tell them all at home for me I am 
ready to die ! Tell them I am going home, and to pre- 
pare and meet me in heaven !" On seeing her only 
child, in the arms of its nurse, she said, "God bless 
my child ! 0, brother Graddis, pray for my dear child, 
that it may be brought up in the nurture and admonition 
of the Lord, and meet me in heaven !" Mr. Gr., the pro- 
prietor of the springs, coming in at this moment sh© 



THE ESCULAPIAN SPR^INGS. 391 

exclaimed, "0, Mr. Gr., live for God! Reli e;ion is the 
only thing in the world that is worth living or dying for. 
0, Mr. Gr., you have been very kind to me since I came 
here, and now we must soon part; but live for Grod, and 
we shall soon meet again ! 0, just think how kind the 
Savior has been to me during my affliction — how he has 
comforted and sustained me since I came to the springs I 
0, happy day She continued in this ecstatic frame of 
mind for a long time, and praised the Lord till her phys- 
ical strength was exhausted. She then sunk into a quiet 
slumber, with her hands folded upon her breast, while a 
heavenly radiance still illumined her pallid countenance. 

Early the next morning I called to see her, and found 
her in the possession of the same rapturous state of en- 
joyment. She was blest with perfect love, that "casteth 
out all fear." She conversed about death, the cold 
grave, parting with her relatives and nearest friends, 
with as much composure as if preparing to return to 
her own loved home on earth. She repeatedly assured 
me that she had no fears, no doubts, and no gloom; she 
was invested with a power that bore her spirit up amid 
the swellings of Jordan." Never shall I forget my 
communings with a spirit so fully matured for glory. 
Her prayers, how simple, and yet how effectual ! 

" True and fervent are the prayers that breathe 
Forth from a lip that fades with coming death." 

Grod will treasure them up in the garners of glory, and 
pour them out, in coming years, on those persons for 
whom they have been so sincerely offered by the dying. 

On the morning of my departure for home, I called to 
bid her adieu. I perceived that she was near the close 
of her pilgrimage. When I spoke of my departure, she 
requested me to pray once more. After prayer she 
seemed inexpressibly happy and she talked of a Savior's 



392 r U U T - P R 1 N T S OF AN ITINERANT. 

dying love in strains as '' sweet as angels use.'' After 
praying for a long time^ site looked around the little 
cottage, and said, 0, how many days and nights of suf- 
fering I have had in this lovely cottage I -but then/' with 
a sweet smile she said, ''they were days of great rejoic- 
ing, too ; for my Savior was with me all the time. 0, 
what a sweet and happy place is this I then took her 
dying hand in mine, when she looked up, and said, " 0, 
happy day I I feel that I am constantly borne up on the 
pinions of angels ! Grod bless you, brother Gaddis ! 
Farewell ! we shall soon meet again." I then said, "Sis- 
ter E., what shall I say to your old friends and former 
companions when I return to Cincinnati ?" She smiled, 
and promptly replied, " Tell them I am almost home, and 
prejpo.red to (/o !" 

An ancient philosopher said, "The pure soul leaves 
the body as the lightning flits from the clouds, shining 
brightest at its departure." It was so with this dying 
saint. As "life's twilight" gently closed around her, 

"The unrobiiig spirit cast 
Diviner glories to the last." 

By her own request, she was buried in the beautiful 
grove on the mountain side, opposite the cottage door. 

Immediately after her burial, the bereaved husband 
returned to his desolate home, in the city of C, and the 
widowed mother to North Bend, taking along with her 
little Mary, the only child of her deceased daughter, 
Margaretta. It was now all that was left below around 
which her sorrow-stricken heart desired to cling. In 
this sweet and interesting child she could trace the 
very image of its departed mother, and most fondly did 
she cherish the hope that its life might be spared to 
beguile the gloom and dispel the accumulating sorrows 
cf her soul. But, alas! she was doomed to an early 



MY LAST AGENCY. 



393 



disappointment, and her fondest hopes were suddenly 
blasted; for in less than one short month the Savior 
called Mary to a happy reunion with her mother in the 
skies. Fancy the ecstatic bliss of that sainted mother, 
on such a meeting with her beloved child in the man- 
sions of glory. Sure, methinks she exclaimed, as when 
bidding adieu to earth, 0, happy day ! 0, happy day 1 
0, what a sweet and happy day is this 1" 

My task is now done — this mournful story is ended; but 
as often as memory shall awaken the reminiscences of 
the past, I shall dwell, with mingled emotions, upon the 
scenes of sadness and pleasure connected with my last 
visit to Esculapia. I know not what effect this narrative 
will produce on the mind of the gay and thoughtless 
reader, but may I not fondly hope that it may be the 
means of leading some one to ^^seek first the kingdom 
of God and his righteousness !" 0, think of the fleeting 
nature of earth-born happiness, and learn to set your 
aifections on things above ! True happiness is not found 
below the skies. 

" The toil is fruitless if you seek it here." • 

Turn, then, to the " living waters,'^ drink, and thirst no 
more. 



CHAPTER LX. 

WESLEYAN FEMALE COLLEGE — MY LAST 
AGENCY. 

In the fall of 1847 I was appointed to act as the Agent 
of the Wesleyan Female College in Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Rev. "William Young had served them faithfully and very 
successfully the preceding conference year. 1 feel it to 



894 rooT-PRiNTS of an itinerant. 



bo a duty that I owe to the cause of female education to 
give a condensed history of the origin, organization, and 
prosperity of this popular college. 

At a special meeting of the ministers of Cincinnati, 
held in the Editor's office of the Western Christian Advo- 
cate, May 4, 1842, Eev. L. L. Hamline, D. D., was called 
to the Chair, and Eev. William Herr appointed Secretary. 

At the request of the Chair the object of the meeting 
was explained by Rev. Charles Elliott, D. J). ; namely, to 
consult on the expediency of taking measures to establish 
in this city (Cincinnati) a Female Institute or College, of 
the highest possible grade. After which a resolution was 
passed calling a public meeting to consider its practica- 
bility; and a committee was appointed to draft and report 
a plan to be laid before the general meeting. Pursuant 
to public notice, a meeting was held in Wesley Chapel, 
on Fifth, between Broadway and Sycamore streets, May 
20, 1842; at which time and place the plan reported by 
the committee detailing the general principles of the In- 
stitute, was read and adopted without a dissenting voice. 
A Board of Trustees were immediately organized and 
arrangements made for the employment of teachers; 
and also to procure suitable college buildings, etc. At a 
subsequent meeting Rev. P. B. Wilber and Mrs. Mary 
C. Wilber were employed to take the supervision of said 
Institute. The first session of the Female Collegiate In- 
stitute commenced on the first Monday of September, 
1842. Not long after the commencement of the school 
an ''act of incorporation'^ was procured from the Leg- 
islature of Ohio under the title of the Methodist Fe- 
male Collegiate Institute. But in the year 1846, it 
was determined to establish the ''Institute" on a still 
firmer basis ; to procure a more eligible site, and erect 
new and more commodious buildings. Accordingly, a 
new "act of incorporation" was obtained, and the name 



MY LAST AGENCY. 



395 



of said Institute" changed to that of ^^The Wesleyan 
I'emale College" — granting to the Trustees full power 
to appoint a President and Professors, and any number 
of suitable instructors for the instruction of pupils in the 
arts and sciences, and in all the necessary useful and 
ornamental branches of a thorough and liberal education; 
and also to confer on those pupils whom they shall deem 
worthy thereof, all such literary honors and degrees as are 
usually conferred by the best Female Colleges, Institu- 
tions, or Academies. 

The energetic Board of Trustees immediately purchased 
the spacious mansion on Vine-street, between Sixth and 
Seventh, formerly the residence of Henry Starr, Esq., 
and erected a beautiful and capacious college edifice in 
the rear of the same; which, with some recent additions 
to the boarding house, makes the property equal, if not 
superior, to any thing east or west of the mountains. 

Joint Stock Plan. — The property of the Wesleyan 
Female College of Cincinnati is represented by certifi- 
cates of stock of one hundred dollars each. 

1. Each stockholder shall have an equal interest in all the 
property of said College in the proportion which the amount 
of his stock bears to the whole amount issued, and to the 
same proportion of the profits arising from the institution ; 
and, further, shall be entitled to a free admission to all the 
public lectures, literary and scientific, of the institution. 

2. The holder of five shares of stock shall be entitled 
to a perpetual scholarship in the said College, by virtue of 
which he may keep forever one student in the regular 
English and Classical Departments of the College, without 
charge for tuition. 

3. The holder of four shares of stock shall be entitled 
to a deduction of ten per cent, from the tuition of four 
students, whom he may send or cause to bo sent, forever. 
The holder of three shares shall in like manner be entitled 



396 



^OOT-PRI^'TS OF AN ITINERANT. 



to a deduction of ten per cent, from the tuition bills of 
three students forever. 

4. The holder of two shares of stock shall be entitled 
to a deduction of ten per cent, from the bills of two stu- 
dents forever; and the holder of one share, in like man- 
ner, a deduction of ten per cent, forever, or twenty per 
cent, for fifteen years. 

The donor of seventy-five dollars shall be entitled to a 
deduction of five per cent, for three students for ten 
years; the donor of fifty dollars to five per cent, for two 
students for seven years; and the donor of twenty-five 
dollars shall be entitled to a deduction of five per cent, 
from the tuition bills of one student for five years. Each 
donor, as before stated, shall have a free admission to all 
the public lectures of the College. 

• Privileges are granted also to the donors of smaller 
sums, which I need not mention here. The certificates 
of stock and donations are transferable in the usual way 
on the books of the College. A deduction of fifty per 
cent, is made on all the tuition bills of ministers of the 
Gospel of all denominations, whether engaged as pastors, 
missionaries, agents of benevolent institutions, or as 
teachers. 

The following table, which I have compiled with accu- 
racy, will show the number of graduates since the year 
J 845 up to the present time : 

English Course. Classical Course 

1845 4 2 

1846 — 1 

1847 8 5 

1848 10 1 

1849 9 . 2 

1850 9 5 

1851 15 5 

1852 8 4 

1853 11 6 

1854 15 

¥8 ' 36 

Total 124 



MY LAST AGENCY. 



397 



This will give my readers a correct idea of the contin- 
ued and increasing prosperity of the College. Thirty-six 
young ladies have completed the College or Classical 
course of study, and eighty-eight have graduated in the 
regular English Department, within the last nine years. 
From the Catalogue, just published, we learn that during 
the last year there were in the 



College Department 159 

Preparatory " First Class 53 

Second Class 93 

Third Class 62 

Fourth Class 30 

Primary " Irregular 16 

First Class 36 

Second Class ^0 

Total 479 



My time was principally occupied in procuring addi- 
tional subscriptions and in collecting installments already 
due on scholarships. In the spring I visited Pittsburg, 
and attended the session of the General conference. On 
my return home, in company with Bishop Morris, I was 
taken violently sick on board the steam-boat. I landed 
at Portsmouth, and being conveyed to a hotel, a physi- 
cian was called, who pronounced the attack a congestive 
fJiill. I was very sick for eight or ten days. When my 
fever abated I was alone in my room. The sun was up 
above the river hills, and shining in at my window in the 
third story of the hotel. I shall never forget that morn- 
ing. 0, the peace and rapturous joy that filled my soul! 
I looked at my wasted frame, and thought with delight 
of the glorious morning of the resurrection, and com- 
menced singing a hymn, with this chorus — 

" 0, what a Ix autiful morning that will he ! 
And we'll all shont together in that morning." 

Blessed be God for the " hope of the resurrection 
''We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In 
a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump." 



398 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



0; blessed be God for the promise that ''death is to be 
swallowed up in victory/' and we to have this victor} 
^'through our Lord Jesus Christ!" 

"Sin-blighted though we are, 
We, too, shall rise, and in eternal summer 
Lose our threescore years and ten." 

The duties of an agent are always perplexing; yet lay 
connection with the Wesleyan Female College, in Cincin- 
nati, was rendered pleasant and agreeable, by the uniform 
kindness of the President and his excellent and accom- 
plished lady, Mrs. Mary C. Wilber. I also take pleasure 
in stating here, that I have never known a more high- 
minded and generous-hearted Board of Trustees than the 
men who composed that Board in 1847-8. Their kind- 
ness to me personally shall never be forgotten while I 
sojourn in this vale of tears. May the Wesleyan Female 
College ever stand as it does at present, the model female 
school of the " Queen of the West V 

The present Board of Instructors consists of the fol- 
lowing persons: Rev. P. B. Wilber, M. A., President 
and Professor of Mental and Moral Science; Mrs. Mary 
Wilber, Governess; Jeremiah Tingley, M. A., Professor 
of Mathematics and Natural Science; , Profess- 
or of Ancient Languages; Miss Mary A. De Forest, Pre- 
ceptress in Higher Collegiate Studies; Miss (/harlotte 
Davis, Preceptress in Collegiate Studies; Miss Bachel L. 
Bodley, M. L. A., Assistant in Collegiate and Preparatory 
Studies; Miss Amanda H. Gest, M. E. L., Preceptress of 
First Preparatory Class; Miss Mary H. Brown, M. L. A., 
Preceptress of Second Preparatory Class; Miss Mary A. 
Wilber, Preceptress of Third Preparatory Class; Miss 
Mary G. Sackett, M. E. L., Preceptress of Fourth Pre- 
paratory Class; Miss Jane Porter, Preceptress of Primary 
Department; James W. Bowers, Professor of Penman- 
ship; Miss Margaret Fingland, Instructress in Vocal and 



MY LAST AGENCY. 



399 



Instrumental Music; Miss Eliza Cook, Instructress on 
Piano and Gruitar; Miss Emily Cook, Instructress in Yo- 
cal and Instrumental Music ; T. A. Stevens, Professor of 
Vocal Music; Mrs. Charlotte Cadwell, Instructress in 
German; Miss Adeline E. D'Oisy, Instructress in French; 
Mrs. Emily Fierlein, Teacher of the various styles of Em- 
broidery; Martin C. Rosienkiewicz, Professor of Linear 
and Perspective Drawing and Painting. 

I shall never regret that I have spent two years in advo- 
cating the cause of female education in the great valley 
of the Mississippi. I believe I had the honor of being 
the first ^'traveling agent that was employed by an 
ecclesiastical body in Ohio, to plead for contributions 
from our fellow-citizens to erect seminaries and build 
female colleges, for the exclusive benefit of the '^better 
half" of the human race — noble and generous-hearted 
woman. 

Who ever thinks of praying for college agents ? And 
yet, perhaps, no one stands more in need of sympathy 
than they do. Colleges and seminaries must be reared 
in our midst, and money is necessary to their erection 
and support. But, alas ! who ever remembers the man 
who toiled day and night to procure the means to erect 
them? So of nearly all our agencies. While deploring 
my sad lot I received a letter from Rev. William P. 
Strickland, D. D., then Agent of the American Bible 
Society in Southern Ohio. I will make one extract 
from it to show my readers how little co-operation and 
sympathy men have when pleading even for the best 
of causes : 

^'I received ,a note to-day, through the post-office, in a 
female hand, running thus: 'Envy thou not the oppress- 
or, and choose none of his ways. Proverbs. Then do 
not, brother S., ask us to imitate him, even if he sub- 
scribes thirty dollars to the Bible cause, Lord, save us 



400 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



from ostentation as well as oppression!^ This, I pre- 
sume, was elicited by a remark I made last evening in 

reference to Mr. 's subscription, and I expressed tbe 

wish that some there would do likewise. Don't you 
think an agent requires much grace and demands much 
sympathy? I will leave here to-morrow for C, pro- 
vided I can get a conveyance, as the roads are almost 
impassable." 

But brother Strickland still went forward, notwith- 
standing these little unpleasant occurrences. He served 
the Bible cause acceptably and successfully for five years, 
since which period he has been in the regular work. He 
is not only a popular preacher and lecturer, but has 
recently become extensively known as an author and pop- 
ular editor of books, etc. 

Farewell to agencies for years to come ! — by permission 
of the powers that be." 



CHAPTER LXI. 

THE GRAVE OF REV. WILLIAM B. CHRISTIE. 

The toils of the day were over, and the shades of 
evening were coming on. The din and bustle in the 
crowded streets and thoroughfares of the city had par- 
tially died away. The air was mild, bahny, and inviting. 
I could not resist the desire which I felt to take an 
'^evening walk." Yielding myself up to the predom- 
inant feelings of my heart immediately after tea, I went 
out like one of the old patriarchs, not '^knowing whither 
I went." However, after walking about a square and a 
half from my lodgings, I concluded to visit the Method- 
ist Episcopal church lately erected on Catharine-street, 
and transact some business with the "^'officiary." I was 



GRAVE OF REV. W. B. CHRISTIE. 401 



then acting as Agent of the Wesleyan Female College. 
On my arrival at the church I found the doors and win- 
dows closed. I lingered for a short time on the side- 
walk in front of the church. The full moon was shed- 
ding its mild rays of silver light upon the spires and 
lofty domes, and arraying the far-off surrounding hights 
of the Queen City with an investiture of surpassing love- 
liness. As I beheld, with adoring wonder, the majesty 
of the works of the Creator, the countless hosts of twink- 
ling stars 

" In the sable vault of night's dominion," 

I was forcibly reminded of the language of the youthful 
Dard of Nottingham, the lamented Henry Kirk White • 

"When marshaled on the nightly plain, 
A glittering host bestuds the sky; 
One star alone of all the train, 

Can fix the sinner's wandering eye." 

As I walked up the street I suddenly fell into a train 
of serious reflections upon the incidents and sufferings 
of the life of an itinerant minister. As one scene after 
another, in quick succession, passed before me, I was soon 
unconscious of every thing that was passing around me. 

The pleasures and enjoyments of an hour like that are 
more desirable than days and nights spent in the circles 
of gayety. I thought of other years, of happier hours, 
and of friends in the spirit-land. 

" 'Tis sweet to remember ; I would not forego 
The charm which the past o'er the present can throw, 
For all the gay visions that Fancy can weave 
In her web of illusion that shines to deceive. 
We know not the future, the past we have felt; 
Its cherished enjoyments the bosom can melt ; 
Its raptures anew o'er our pulses may roll, 
When thoughts of the morrow fall cold on the soul." 

T had now arrived at the east end of the old cemetery, 

and felt an anxious desire to enter it and visit the grave 
34 



402 



FOOT-PRINTS or 



AN ITINERANT, 



of a dearly-beloved friend. As I had not been in tbia 
place of graves for a long time, it was with difficulty I 
found the spot where his ashes reposed. After wander- 
ing about through the burying-ground, attempting to 
decipher names aiid dates, and to read such inscriptions 
by the pale beams of Cynthia as l found to be interest- 
ing and instructive, I at length found a humble monu- 
ment in the rear of Christie Chapel, bearing the follow- 
ing unostentatious inscription, which I was enabled to 
read by the light of the moon : 

IN MEMORY 

OF 

REV. WILLIAM B. CHRISTIE, 
Long a devoted and efficient member of the Ohio conference *f the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Bom, September 2, 1803: 
Died, March 26, 1842. 
" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." 

Also: 
IN MEMORY 

OF 

BURR WRIGHT CHRISTIE, 
Son of Rev. William B. Christie. 
Born, December 3, 1834: 
Died, September 21, 1837. 

As I kneeled at the grave of my friend and consecra- 
ted myself anew to the service of Grod, I fancied that 
heard" a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are 
the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth.'^ I 
lingered around that hallowed spot a long time, and was 
enabled to recall many deeply-interesting scenes in the 
life of my devoted brother Christie. I thought of our 
first meeting, and the hour of final separation in his 
dying chamber, only a few days before his death. As I 
communed with the past I wept like a child. Deem it 



GRAVE OF REV. W. B. CHRISTIE. 403 

QQt Wjeakn.esS; I was standing at the grave of my first jpre- 
nding elder. 

There are none among the departed to whom I feel as 
deeply indebted as the late Eev. William B. Christie, of 
the Ohio annual conference. The following tribute to 
his memory is the promptings of a warm and grateful 
heart. When admitted on trial in the traveling connec- 
tion, I was appointed to a circuit within the boundaries 
of the Cincinnati district. Brother Christie was my 
presiding elder, and I continued under his faithful watch- 
care till admitted to elder's orders. During this period 
of four years I spent most of my rest weeks" in the 
family of brother Christie. His uniform cheerfulness and 
open-hearted hospitality made the district parsonage-house 
a most desirable retreat for the toil-worn itinerant. I 
always adniired him for his social qualities and deep piety, 
as well as his intellectual greatness. He was richly 
endowed with the gifts and graces of the Holy Grhost. 

He was a man of unassuming manners. His virtues 
shone with equal luster in all the relations of domestic 
life as when engaged in the more public duties of his 
ministerial profession I loved him with a '^pure heart 
fervently." And it has always been among the most 
pleasing reflections of my whole life, that this brotherly 
love was fully reciprocated from the period of our first 
acquaintance up to the time of his decease. But he is 
gone to a state of perennial bliss — transferred from the 
scenes of his earthly mission to the rewards of heaven. 
May it be a part of my future happiness to meet him 
there ! 

" Thou, whose flight 
Was on so swift a wing, 

Hast thou not raised the hearts that loved thee 
To a FiEMEK hold on heaven?" 

I have often wished I could wield a graphic pen — de- 
Sijribe persons — delineate character — that I might give 



i04 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



to future generations a faithful and life-like portrait of 
Ohio's most gifted and eloquent divine. 

*^His person, of medium hight, was always delicate^ 
but erect and of manly bearing; head unusually large 
and covered with a beautiful suit of fine, dark hair; eyes 
black, sparkling, glowing with intelligence and softened 
with benevolence. In his social habits he observed a 
proper medium between levity and melancholy; he was 
cheerful, but not trifling; religious, but not sad. In 
action he was easy, graceful, and dignified ; neat in his 
apparel, but nothing in dress or address that indicated 
hauteur. 

'•'As a preacher he excelled in three particulars; 
namely, precision and beauty of language, strength of 
argument, and power of application. By the first he 
secured the attention of all, by the second he convinced 
the judgment, pouring floods of light upon the under 
standing, and by the last he overpowered the feelings of 
his audience. While his profound knowledge of the- 
ology and his logical acumen deeply interested the most 
learned, his religious ardor and fervid eloquence arrested 
and led captive the most careless, and made the most 
simple-hearted joyful." 

Alas! that one possessing such brilliant and useful 
talents should have thus early been called away! But 
death loves a shining mark." 

When informed that he was dying, he said, ^'I am not 
alarmed; I am not afraid to die; Jesus, with his bleed- 
ing hands, will not thrust me away. I am almost home 
I feel that God is good to me, and that Jesus Christ is 
my salvation. Tell my brethren of the Ohio conference, 
if they think my name worthy of being mentioned, I 
have not preached an unhnoicn and nnfelt Savior. Tell 
them, that though unworthy and unfaithful, that Gospel 
which I have preached to others sustains me now. Tell 



GRAVE or REV. W. B. CHRISTIE. 



405 



the ministers to preach Christ and him crucified. Tell 
them my only hope^ my only foundation^ is in the blood 
of sprinkling. Precious blood! the fullness, the 
richness, the sweetness of that fountain!^' 

But I must close this sketch by introducing to the 
reader some beautiful, descriptive lines of original poetry 
from that highly-gifted poetess, Mrs. Catharine Walker, 
wife of Rev. George W. Walker, of the Cincinnati con- 
ference. Mrs. Walker was a warm and devoted friend 
of the lamented Christie, and composed these lines on 
his triumphant death at my importunate solicitation : 

"HE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT." 

He fought a good fight, the faith he kept, 

Till summoned from on high ; 
As a warrior reclining on his shield, 

He laid him down to die. 

'Twas a glorious fight. He nobly fought, 

And like a chieftain fell ; 
His face to the foe and his armor on, 

He conquered earth and hell. 

To his fellow-soldiers he calmly said, 

"I triumph though I fall; 
My victory's by the blood-stained cross — 

Fight on and conquer them all. 

^ Though first I'm called to leave your ranks, 

My heart is with the brave ; 
From heaven's portals I'll look down 
And see your banners wave. 

I've not an unknown Savior preached, 

But feel his sprinkling blood, 
To cleanse my soul from every stain. 

And make me meet for God. 

That truth which I have humbly taught, 

/ feel sustains me now/ 
Though heart and flesh are failing fast, 

And death is on my brow. 

I've run the race ; my work is done; 

No more o'er earth I'll roam ; 
My dearest friends I bid adieu ; 

Fakewell, I'm going hojie 1" 



406 FOOT -PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



The heavenly convoy, waiting, stand 

To attend his upward flight ; 
To introduce their brother — friend, 

To all the saints in light. 

Methinks I see a happy throng 

Of kindred spirits blest ; 
With eager joy they gather rouud 

To greet the stranger guest. 

"A Christie's come," a herald cries, 
" From earth he fought his way ; 

A 'watchman' ofif our Zion's walls; 
Ye thronging hosts give way." 

He meekly marches toward the throne 

To meet his glorious King ; 
His coronation hour has come; 

The saints and angels sing. 

A "robe," a "harp," a "crown" is given- 
He strikes his untried lyre, 

And wakens a new strain of joy 
Through all the heavenly choir. 

His soul o'erbm-dened with the weight 

Of glory from the throne. 
He casts his crown and, " Holy !" cries, 

" To God the holy One." 

0, if when heaven is just begun. 

Such rapture fills the soul, 
How fathomless that sea of bliss. 

While endless ages roll ! 



CHAPTER LXII. 

MORRIS CHAPEL AND PARK-STREET. 

In 1848 I was appointed to Morris Chapel in Cincin- 
nati, for tlie purpose of raising money and subscriptions 
for tlie erection of a new church edifice on the corner of 
Park and Longworth streets. Rev. William Herr was 
appointed preacher in charge at Morris at the same 
time. I entered upon the peculiar wojfk assigned me 



MORRIS CHAPEL — PARK-STREET. 407 

with a firm reliance on my heavenly Father for support 
and success. Many difficulties soon presented them- 
selves to my mind, but I prayed day and night for God 
to open my way and succeed my feeble efforts with 
his special blessing. "Who art thou, great mountain? 
before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain." At an 
early period I obtained permission to make a public 
effort at Morris Chapel on Sabbath morning. I spent 
much of the week previous in prayer, fervent^ "im- 
portunate prayer'' in secret. And, as I threaded the 
streets, my inward constant cry was, "Lord, help me!" 
At the time appointed I preached a sermon from these 
words, "It grieved them exceedingly that there was 
come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Is- 
rael." Nehemiah ii, 10. 

I pursued the following train of thought: In this sub- 
ject, I remarked, we have, ^rs^, the true character and 
conduct of the friends of Zion ; and, secondly, the spirit 
and conduct of her enemies. The former seeks her 
welfare and delights in her prosperity. The latter re- 
joice in her calamities and are grieved at her success. 
Nehemiah, although a captive Jew in a foreign land, 
by the special providence of Grod was exalted to great 
honor and dignity in the Persian court in the reign of 
Artaxerxes. He was the "king's cup-bearer," a post 
of honor and dignity. But, although thus elevated and 
surrounded by great pomp and regal glory in the great- 
est court in the world, the fires of patriotism still glowed 
brightly in his bosom. He still had an ardent love of 
country and home; he could not forget Jerusalem. He 
still cherished a fond remembrance for his brethren of 
the captivity. See chapter i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and chapter 
ii. 3, 4, 5. 

. I. The true character and conduct of the friends 
OF the church — ^they seek her "welfare." 



408 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

1. They mourn and weep over her desolations.^' 
When Hanani came and told Nehemiah of the afflic- 
tion of his brethren of the captivity, he sat down and 
wept, mourned certain days, and fasted and prayed be- 
fore the God of heaven. Nehemiah i, 4. He was not 
sick, but his ^^countenance was sad." Even the king 
perceived that it was nothing else but sorrow of heart. 
So it is with all true ministers and devoted followers 
of the Lamb." They mourn over the desolations and 
declensions in Zion. ^^Yea, we wept when we remem- 
bered Zion." 

2. They '-seek her luelfare'^ by laboring zealously to 
rebuild her walls and restore her waste places. 

When Nehemiah heard of the ^' great affliction and 
reproach of the remnant that were left of the captivity 
in the province/' he hastened to their relief. On his 
arrival at Jerusalem, after taking a survey of the work 
alonCj he assembled the rulers and nobles, and ^^said unto 
them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem 
lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire : 
come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we 
be no more a reproach.'' Nehemiah ii, 17. At the close 
of this touching address the rulers, and nobles, and 
priests said, with one accord, Let us rise up and build.'' 
So they strengthened their hands for the good work. 
Faith and works must go together. We must not only 
''mourn, weep, and fast certain days," but pray and 
work too. 

3. They are all engaged in the worh and of ^^one mind," 
''Then said I unto the nobles and rulers and the rest 

of the people. The loork is great and large.'^ This 
teaches the necessity of a division of labor. Some 
worked on the icalls, while others repaired the gates. 
Each one had a particular portion of the work assigned 
to him or her. They were atl at it, from Eliashib tlue 



MORRIS CHAPEL 



— PARK-STREET. 



409 



high-priest, down to the poorest servant, the rulers/' 
nobles," priests," "men," "women;" and particular 
mention is made of "Shallum the son of Halohesh, the 
ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daugh- 
ters.'' Nehemiah iii, 12. So it must be in the Church 
of Grod^bishops, elders, preachers, stewards, class-lead- 
ers. Sabbath school teachers, men, women, and children. 

4. Tliey are not only all engaged in the work, hut con- 
stantly at it. 

The prophet declares the " people had a mind to work ; 
and they were at it from the rising of the morning sun 
till the stars appeared. Every one had his sword girded 
by his side." They neither bought nor sold lands, nor 
changed their raiment, "but continued in the work." 
Neh. V, 16. So of all who seek the welfare of the people 
of Grod and "prefer Jerusalem above their chief joy." 

5. They labor in confidence and liope, with a strong 
reliance on Ood for success. 

Nehemiah had strong faith. He had prayed to the 
G-od of heaven, day and night; he claimed all that God 
had promised. The Grod of heaven will prosper us; 
therefore, we his servants will arise and build. Our God 
will fight for us. 

6. They are united. 

"We are separated upon the wall, one far from an- 
other." We can not defend ourselves. "In what place 
therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye 
thither unto us." Nehemiah iv, 19, 20. 

II. The spirit and conduct of her enemies. 

^ It grieves them exceedingly that there was come a 
man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel." 

1. They are grieved at her prosperity and exult in her 
calamities. 

How truthfully is this remark illustrated in the history 
before us- "When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah 

35 



410 



POOT-PHINTS ,0F AN ITINERANT, 



the Ammonite heard of the success of the prophet, they 
were grieved at hearth So it is at the present time with 
the enemies of the Church. 

2. They unite their scattered forces and form a con^ 
spiracy to stop the progress of truth and righteousness. 

When Sanballat heard that the walls of Jerusalem 
were made up/' he stirred up the Arabians, Ammonites, 
and Ashdodites to aid him in stopping the progress of 
the work. Nehemiah iv, 7, 8. 

3. They despise God's workmen. 

Nehemiah says, "They laughed us to scorn and de^ 
spised us," and said, "What do these feeble Jews?'' 
"will they fortify themselves?'' "will they sacrifice?" 
"will they make an end in a day?" "will they revive 
these stones out of the rubbish ?" etc. It is even so now, 
The men employed by God to preach are despised and 
ridiculed. They are still a gazing stock and a "specta- 
cle unto men." The reproach of the cross has not 
ceased. The watchword of our adversaries is still heard 
above the din of battle, " Strike down the standard-hear^ 
ers, and silence the batteries I" 

4. TJiey ridicule and despise the work. 

"Even that which they build," said Tobiah, "if a fox 
go up he shall even break down their stone wall." Poor 
Tobiah has many representatives at the present day, who 
not only scorn Christ's ministers, but despise the work 
of reformation wrought through their instrumentality. 
"0," say our enemies, ^'the work is spurious, these 
young converts will not hold out," etc. 

5. When the work of God progresses they become en- 
raged. 

When Sanballat heard that the work was progressing 
"he took great indignation and mocked the Jews," 
And when the Arabians, Ammonites, and Ashdodites 
heard that the breaches in the wall began to be stoppv-^d 



MORRIS CHAPEL — PARK-STREET. 411 

then they were very wroth. How true in seasons of re- 
vival ! 

6. Finally they resort to strategy and intrigue, vainly 
believing that the end justifies the means. 

When Sanballat, and Tobiah, and G-eshem the Ara- 
bian, and the enemies of the prophet heard that the 
''wall was builded and no breach left/' they tried to 
divert him from his purpose. "Come and let us meet 
in a village on the plains of Ono.'^ Nehemiah vi, 2, 3. 
Notice his reply; am doing a great work,'' I can not 
come down. "Why should the work cease whilst 1 
leave it and come down to you?" Here is an example 
for every laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. They 
importuned him and sent messengers fottr times in vain. 
They next impugned his motives and charged him with 
^^rehellion,^ building a wall to "make himself a king.^' 
They charged him next with a desire for popidarity, 
that he had "hired men to preach" about himself, and 
to sound his name abroad. Finding all their plans un- 
successful, they at last tried to excite his fears for his 
personal safety. "They seek to slay thee/' "go and 
shut thyself up in the temple." Nehemiah vi, 10. His 
heroic reply is worthy of everlasting remembrance, 

Should such a man as I flee? And who is there that 
being as I am would go into the temple to save his life ? 
I will not go in." He perceived God had not sent 
them. And neither the hired prophet nor the prophet- 
ess Nodiah all combined could intimidate his spirit or 
cause him to sound an inglorious retreat from the city. 
I close with these words of encouragement, warning, and. 
exhortation. 

ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE WORKER. 

They all continued in the work, notwithstanding there 
was "much rubbish" and many discouragements. Not- 



•il2 FOOT-rRIXTS OF AX ITINERANT. 

withstanding tlie combined opposition of their foes the 
work went steadily forward. Their enemies tried to 
"iceal-en the hands of the workmen, but iu answer to 
prayer God was their strength and song. The walls were 
^^finished/' "for the people had a mind to work." They 
kept the ^'dedication'' with gladness; God caused them 
to rejoice with great joy — their '' wives and children re- 
joiced, and the joy of Jernsalem was heard even afar off." 

WARNING TO OTR OPPOSERS. 

'•And it came to pass, that when our enemies heard 
thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw 
these things, they were much cast down in their own 
eyes: for they perceived that this work was of Grod." 
Nehemiah vi, 16. ••Eefrain from these men and let 
them alone : for if this counsel or this work be of men, 
it will come to naught : but if it be of Grod, ye can not 
overthrow it ; lest haply ye be found even to fight against 
God.'' Acts V, 38, 39. -Behold, ye despisers, and 
wonder, and perish." Acts xiii, 41. 

Beloved brethren and sisters at Morris Chapel, if 
the walls of the Park-Street Methodist Episcopal Church 
are built you must do it. This great and good work 
can easily be done by this Church ''if the members have 
a mind to work." I have been sent here by the con- 
ference to '-seek the welfare of the children of Israel.'' 
I have been appointed to your charge for the special 
purpose of building a new Methodist Episcopal Church 
on the corner of Park and Longworth streets in this 
beautiful city. I have come '• praying to the God of 
Heaven." I think you are ready to exclaim, " The God 
of heaven he ^rill prosj)er us, therefore we his servants will 
arise and build." Amen. Then let us all '' strengthen 
our hands for this work." It is recorded by the proph- 
ets that the ^' nohles,"' Tekoi. jnif not their necks to the 
icorJc of their Lord. In consequence of their default 



MORRIS CHAPEL PARK-STREET. 418 

the Tekoites liad to repair another piece over against 
the great tower." If the nobles" of ^^Tekoi'' are pres- 
ent they are at liberty to retire before we proceed with 
the collection. For I expect you every one to ''put 
your necks to the work of your Lord " to-day. But if 
the ''nobles" refuse to give, God, I believe, will put it 
into the hearts of some liberal Tekoites to increase his 
subscription to make up the deficiency. "Curse ye 
Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the 
inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help 
of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty." 
Judges V, 23. 

At the close of the discourse I lifted a collection and 
subscription, amounting in all to more than twenty-five 
hundred dollars. The Lord did help me of a truth. I 
thanked him and "took courage." The building was 
soon put under contract. Early in the spring the corner- 
stone was laid, at which eloquent speeches were delivered 
by Rev. B. F. Tefft, D. D., and Rev. M. Simpson, D. D., 
who, at that time, was editor of the Western Christian 
Advocate. At the close of their remarks I made another 
successful appeal to the public in behalf of our new 
enterprise. Grod raised us up friends on the right hand 
and on the left. The contractors urged the work forward 
beyond our most sanguine expectations. But just at the 
period when we were certain of its completion before the 
close of the summer, the Asiatic cholera made its ap- 
pearance in our midst. The epidemic suddenly retarded 
the progress of the work, and finally deranged our best- 
matured plans for the future. 

I had often labored hard before in raising money to 
build and repair churches; but never did I labor so inde- 
fatigably as I did for the board of trustees of Park- 
Street. Amid wind, rain, and sunshine I walked from 
one part of the city to the other, getting a small sub- 



414 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

Bcription here and a small donation there. Large ones 
were out of the question at that time. This made my 
work more laborious. At times I was almost exhausted 
with my continued exertions, and on one occasion I 
fainted in the street. By the middle of June the house 
was partly inclosed, hut the epidemic raged with such 
violence we could not get it completed. I was attacked 
with the disease myself and rendered unable to do any 
service for several weeks. 

In the early part of the season my old friend, who 
made me a donation of one hundred dollars for the mis- 
sionary society at Bethel Chapel, called upon me at my 
boarding-house. '^Mr. Gaddis,'' said my friend, ^^I un- 
derstand you are building another new church somewhere 
in the western part of the city.^' I told him I was. 
"What time do you expect to have it completed I 
answered^ "Early in the fall if Providence should con- 
tinue to smile upon our feeble efforts." "Well/^ said 
Mr. — — -, "I have come to make you another donation 
of one hundred dollars for the missionary cause^ which 
you may send up to conference as the first contrihutioii 
from your new Church, which, I understand, is located 
on the corner of Park and Longworth streets. For your 
encouragement I have concluded to give one hundred 
dollars, missionary money, to every new church that you 
are instrumental in building in this city.'^ I thanked 
him kindly and received the money with a tearful eye 
and grateful heart. But how mysterious are the ways of 
Providence ! In about four weeks I was called to preach 
his funeral. He was not a member of any Church at 
the time of his decease. Grod grant that he may "find 
mercy in that day V 

I shall never forget the kindness shown me by many 
of the members of Morris Chapel, some of whom have 
since "gone up on high," and are now "shining as the 



MORRIS OHAPEL--^rARK-STREEa:. 415 



^itars of the firmament forever alid ever/' The late 
Joseph G. Rust was among the best friends I ever had. 

During my labors at Morris Chapel, on the 1st of May^ 
1849, 1 was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Parrott, 
eldest daughter of Thomas Parrott, Esq., of Dayton, 
Ohio. In this Union I have been highly favored of the 
Lord. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and 
obtaineth favor of the Lord.'' Proverbs xviii, 22. Ac- 
complished, virtuous, intelligent, and pious, the heart 
of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall 
have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not 
evil all the days of her life.'' 

" Wheu thoa choosetli a wife think not only of thyself, 
But of those God may give thee of her, 
That they reproach thee not for their beiiig. 

c s; o o o 5? 

Let her be a child of God, that she bring with her a blessing to thy house , 
A blessing above riches, and leading contentment in its train: 
Let her be an heir of heaven ; so shall she help thee on thy way ; 
For those who are one in faith fight double-handed against evil." 

A happy experience of nearly six years of wedded life 
enables me fully to indorse the truthfulness of the above 
beautiful lines of Tupper. It is very true that human 
life at best is not all sunshine. The clouds will return 
after the rain. The peculiar life of an itinerant is one 
of trial, sacrifice, and '^affliction with the people of God.'* 
But our sufferings and privations have been very light 
when contrasted with others; yet at times clouds have 
arisen, dense and dark enough to obscure the sunlight. 
Inward trials and, at times, "persecutions from without" 
have befallen us, beside the ''care of the Churches." 
"Every heart knoweth its own bitterness." Although 
at times "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing." 

" There's many a deep and hidden grief 
That comes from sources 
Which admit of no complaint — from things 
Of which we can not, dare not speak." 



416 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



At such times we can go to the mercy-seat and " cast our 
burden on the Lord.'^ yes, "blessed be the God of 
our salyation/' to the upright there ariseth light in dark 
places ! I have often experienced, amid earth's changing 
scenes, 

" There ase some happy moments in this lone 
And desolate world of ours, which will repay 
Hie toU of struggling through it, and alone, 
For many a long, sad night and weary day." 



CHAPTER LXIII. 

A WARNING TO BACKSLIDERS. 
"let Tmr THAT BEADETH XUTDERSTAiTD." 

The following correspondence describes the awakening 
and conversion of one of Ohio's most gifted and eloquent 
sons. In looking over an old file of letters, I found his 
first letter, marked Xo. 1, giving me a minute detail of 
his happy conversion. Twelve years had fled and gone 
since I had received a line from his pen. His old letter 
deeply afi'ected my heart, and I concluded to copy a por- 
tion of it and send it to him. I did so, and appended a 
brief note, expressing my feelings toward him, with a 
request that he would give a candid statement of his 
true spiritual state. His answer will be found in letter 
No. 3. Doubtless all who read it will conspire to say 
that it reveals an appalling state of mind. The spirit of 
a man may sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit, 
who can bear? 

LETTER NO. 1. 

"A coTiN-TY, Omo, Dec. 10, 1836. 

'•Dear Brother Gaddis, — I must satisfy a desire I 
have had for five days of writing you a scroll. In the 
first place, let me say, Thanks be to Grod, who giveth us 



A WARNING TO BACKSLIDERS. 



417 



the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, I have experi- 
enced the regenerating influence of that religion that is 
sweeter than life, and stronger than death, through the 
all-sufficient atonement of my blessed Savior ! This is 
the sum of the comniunication I have been so desirous to 
make to you; but I have waited thus long to see if the 
same ecstatic feeling would continue, and finding that it 
does, and that the beauties of our holy religion keep 
continually revealing themselves to my hitherto benighted 
soul, I could no longer refrain from giving you what I 
know must be soul-cheering information to you. I feel 
like saying, Glory, honor, praise, and power be unto the 
Lamb forever ! I feel like praising God, and do not feel 
like doing much else. 0, brother, the joy and heavenly 
delight I feel in my soul just now, while writing, I can 
not express ! I can say, with the poet, 

* Tongue can not express 
The sweet comfort and peace ' 

I now feel and have felt for the past five days. I have 
tasted of the sweet stream of living waters, and can say, 
with good old David, ^The Lord is good;' I have found the 
^ pearl of great price.' Blessed be the God of my salvation ! 

Dear brother, I must now tell you how these things 
have happened. For the last six weeks I had been going 
back, and for the last four weeks very neglectful of duty, 
and very unhappy in my mind; and though I did not 
become outwardly wicked, or profane, I was far from liv- 
ing as becomes a member of the Church of Christ. Yes, 
my brother, I was woefully backsliding, I must confess it, 
and the reflection makes me loathe myself. 0, it shows 
how wonderfully depraved my heart is ! In the forepart 
of last week I began to feel deeply convicted for sin. I 
continued so till Sunday, at which time my feelings be- 
came desperate, when I enacted a scene of which I will 



418 fOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

tell you when we meet again. What I did is only known 
to a few persons, though afterward it appeared to me 
every one knew it. To me the history of last Sabbath 
phows, in the highest colors, the natural wickedness of 
my own heart. Had a worldling done the same it might 
not have injured him in his feelings, but might prob- 
ably have gained him applause. This I will explain 
when we meet; I refused to go to meeting morning 
and evening, and when bedtime arrived I tried to sleep, 
but there is no rest to the wicked day or night — I could 
not sleep. I never spent so miserable a night in my 
life. Those who saw me, during the afternoon, were 
seriously concerned for me ; they now tell me I looked 
wild, etc. In the night, however, I concluded to pray^ 
and fervently, too. The next morning I was ashamed to 
be seen in the street, and more especially by brother B., 
the preacher in charge of this circuit. I thought every 
body knew what had passed in my breast the day before, 
but none, I suppose, knew any thing, only for some re- 
marks which, in the fury of my feelings, I had made. I 
kept out of the way of Kev. J. B., our preacher, till after 
dinner, at which time I learned he Was hunting for me. 
I did not know what to do; I went to the woods and 
prayed again; I then came to town, and met him in the 
streets without much difficulty. He was smiling, having 
learned the state of my feelings; he conversed with me 
about two hours, during which time he cheered me up 
considerably. In the evening we went to the general 
class meeting. The meeting was opened, and progressed 
some length of time, without my being conscious of what 
others were doing — I was so busy with my own heart^at 
which time my feelings began to grow better and better 
till, before the meeting closed, I felt like shouting, ^ Glory 
to God in the highest !^ I have felt so almost ever since, 
and were it not for the recollection of last Sunday, 1 



A WARNING TO BACKSLIDERS. 4l9 

Would have no waves of trouble crossing my peaceful 
breast. I want to write more, but must stop. Tell 
brother Baughman the story of the Redeemer's love to 
me, and do you and him sing over my case, 

* Sweet rivers of redeeming love 
Lie just before my eyes.' 

I never wanted to see you and brother B. one-tenth part 
as anxiously in my life as I have this week. Brother B. 
received me at the altar, you wrote my name on the class- 
book, and brother Swormstedt baptized me; but the Lord 
has pardoned my sins. Brother, pray for me, and may the 
seals of your ministry be numerous ! Grive my Christian 
love — -for I can now give that — to brother B, No more 
at present. Yours, in the never-to-be-severed bonds of 
love and fellowship, ^ ■ — 

LETTER ^0. 2. 

"A COUNTY, Ohio, Jan. 19, 1837. 

^^My Dear Brother, -^By the mercies of kind Heaven 
T am again permitted to write you. Having been absent 
during the last two weeks of December, I did not re- 
ceive yours of the 19th ult. till the last of the month. 
The feelings I experienced while reading it I will not 
attempt to describe. My soul was filled with gratitude to 
the Griver of all good, and my heart, in some degree, 
melted into tenderness. Your description of the feel- 
ings you experienced on the receipt of the intelligence 
of my conversion, caused an enlargement of soul and 
fullness of joy that I can not express — to think that L 
unworthy as I am, undeserving of any thing, should 
have been the occasion of rejoicing to some of the fol- 
lowers of Christy and that I should have been the sub- 
ject of the grace of Grod, that was to ^infuse new 
energy and new zeal' into the heart of some of his min- 
istering servants, caused me to feel under renewed obli- 



120 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

gatioDS to love and serve that God who hath done so 
much for me. In consequence of your expectation of 
being at E., I went to the quarterly meeting with buoy- 
ant spirits, and with the view of meeting with you. In 
that; however, I was disappointed; but disappointments 
are allotted to us on earth, but, thanks be to Grod ! we 
hasten to a land where, if we are faithful to the grace 
already given, we may arrive in safety and spend an 
eternity free from disappointments, pains, and sorrows 
of every kind. 1 would like to have seen you at R. ; I 
would like to see you now. It seems to me that I could 
talk to you face to face on the great subject of salvation 
much more warmly and satisfactorily than I can write. 

But though I was disappointed in meeting with you, 
I was not disappointed in meeting with our great Mas- 
ter. He was in the midst of us, and we had a good 
time. Rev. William B. Christie preached the most soul- 
stirring sermon that I have heard for years ; I could lis- 
ten to him a whole day without tiring. I constantly 
enjoy a good degree of peace, and can contemplate the 
great subject of salvation and the atonement with de- 
light, and can discover new beauties in our holy religion 
the more I investigate it. 

*Eeligion! what treasures untold 
Resides in that heavenly word !' 

1 feel more and more a dislike and hatred for sin, and 
yet the devil keeps telling me I have no religion. Dur- 
ing the last week temptations have surrounded me, and 
Satan has told me many things. I have prayed, and do 
now pray, to be armed 'with jealous care,' and that 
watching power may be imparted to me every hour. 
Satan may say what he pleases — and he seems determ- 
ined to buffet me — he appears loth to let me go; but I 
know that I enjoy peace of mind, and feel that, by the 



A WARNING TO BACKSLIDERS. 



421 



death and sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christy I liave 
received pardon and the remission of my sins ; and, 
though I feel that I am a wicked and rebellious sinner, 
and that by nature I have a corrupt heart; full of pride 
and deceit, yet I feel conscious that I have attained the 
grace of justification. I pray fervently for the grace of 
humility, for I know that pride is my most fearful enemy. 
Pray the Lord that I may be humble, brother Graddis. I 
heard of you at the Greorgetown meeting; I learned you 
had a good time, and that fourteen, or more, were added 
to the Church. Give Ood the glory ! I sincerely rejoice 
to hear of awakenings under your ministry, and I hope 
and pray that you may have a rich harvest of souls for 
your hire this year. In W. we are rather cold and indif- 
ferent; we need stirring up. Energy seems to be want- 
ing; I for one have to lament my coldness. 0, what an 
unfeeling heart I have ! but the Lord can and will soften 
it. My dear brother Gaddis, we enjoy precious privi- 
leges. May the Lord forbid that they should be misim- 
proved; but, through the mercies of Grod, may they be 
unto us savor of life unto life !' Pray for me. 

Your brother in Christ, 

LETTER NO. 3. 

" S COUNTY, Ohio, Jan. 2, 1849. 

" My Dear Friend, — It is always a pleasure to me to 
hear from you. Your letters are always of the highest 
interest ; and I can assure you that your very kind letter 
of the 12th instant was not only received in the utmost 
kindness, but with delight. I rejoice to hear of your 
present enjoyments, and your bright hopes of the future, 
when your time on earth shall have closed. I regret 
to hear that you are in poor health, and apprehend a 
short career in life. Your religious exercises and experi- 
ence are of the most touching kind. 



422 r T - p K I X T s or an i t i x e b a n t , 



I was not only pleased to hear from you, in the highest 
hopes and sweet consolations of religion, but your letter 
was received as a token of our former familiar inter- 
Gourse, and as another proof of the deep and abiding 
interest you have always manifested in my present and 
eternal happiness : but. at the same time, it touched a 
oord that awakened the deepest feelings of anguish and 
remorse that a soul could feel. You refer to the year 
1S36. How changed the scene with me now I I shud- 
der and tremble while I attempt to describe. Then I 
was youDg, and in good health and spirits, and had fiat' 
tering prospects before me in life : and. better than all. I 
enjoyed peace and tranquillity of mind — I felt that I en- 
joyed a Sayior's love : now I am past middle life, and in 
feeling and appearance quite old, afflicted with a linger- 
ing, annoying, and painfol disease. My business is gone, 
and my prospects are gone ; my means are well-nigh ex- 
hausted, my constitution broken down, and my mind 
shattered and spirits all gone; and, with all, my peace 
and hopes of the future are gone. WTiai a contrast! 
I am now, of all the men of my acquaintance, the most 
miserable. It will be four years in June next since I 
attended to any business worth speaking of. During all 
that time I have been constantly under medical treat- 
ment. I am entirely secluded from society; I go into 
no company ; my feelings are of the most horrible char- 
acter. The effects of my disease are to constantly cloud 
the mind with gloom and despondency, and press down 
the spirits. My disease, in the first place, was not seri' 
ous or alarming ; it was the result of imprudence and a 
little excess in liTing, The symptoms, however, alarmed 
me, and I subjected myself to the treatment of a physi- 
cian, who never knew what was the real cause of my 
complaint, and treated me for a disease I never had. 
The original complaint was discovered and cured long 



A WARNING TO BACKSLIDERS. 



423 



since, and for three years I have been laboring to relievo 
the artificial one that my first physician inflicted upon 
me. 

'^You state in your letter that you do not know whether 
I am in the Church or not. I answer, I am not now, and 
have not been for as much as nine years. I will say to 
you on that subject what I never said before. I was 
strongly impressed with the idea — which was, also, often 
suggested to me by friends — that it was my duty to 
preach; that idea I resisted, and determined I would 
not yield to it. I thought I could not bear such a cross, 
^nd felt that I was not worthy to undertajje such a re- 
sponsible station in the Church- From that time my 
enjoyment in religion began to grow less, and I became 
less punctual in my duties, till I became entirely care- 
less, and finally concluded that I was acting hypocrit- 
ically to remain in the Church. You know I despise 
hypocrisy, and I could not think of living the life of a 
hypocrite iu my own estimation; I therefore left the 
Church, and from that day to this I have been a dis- 
contented and miserable man. While I was in health I 
could get along by immersing myself in business, poli- 
tics, and money-getting; since my health has failed I 
have no resources— I am without any stay to support me, 
/ liave neither hope in this life nor the next! For some 
years after I left the Church, I lived a worse life, in some 
respects, than I ever did ; but I had conquered my worst 
habits and strongest propensity — that of excessive driok- 
ing — before I was taken sick. My heart, however, be- 
came hardened, and remains so. I have, within the last 
four years, spent hundreds of sleepless nights! I have 
wept, I have cried, in the bitterness of reflection, till, 
long since, I have lost the ability to shed tears. I am, 
as before said, the most miserable man of my acquaint- 
ance ; and I am even constrained, in truth, to say, that 



424 TOO T - PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

my present wretclied condition of mind and body is, in 
my judgment, in consequence of leaving the Churcli; 
and ceasing to endeavor to do my duty to the Church 
and my Maker in that station. Alas I what a conse- 
quence! What a fearful thing to resist the living God! 

"In the first place, the irregular habits that induced 
my disease would have been avoided had I remained in 
the Church, and lived as the Church requires. I, there- 
fore, trace all my present grievances, and past excrucia- 
ting pains, to 2i perverse resistance of the teachings of the 
divine Spirit. My heart is now callous, and my imagina- 
tion is full of abominations, the natural result of my 
horrible affliction. I am in no situation for thoughtful, 
serious exercises of mind; and yet I relish the Bible, 
and like to read it and sacred literature generally. I 
would give v:orlds on worlds, if I had them, to feel as 
you do I In the bitterness of anguish I reflect upon the 
past, and look forward to the future. I can not, in the 
nature of things, live long, and yet I can not appreciate 
the fact, staring me in the face as it does. The acute- 
ness of feeling in my heart has ceased, and, by long 
habit, I have become somewhat indifferent to every 
thing. Thousands of times have I wished to cease to 
exist, to deliver me from my present condition. I often 
wish I had never been blessed with existence. My pres- 
ent physical condition is horrible ] my mental, if possi- 
ble, is still worse. You ask, Shall I meet you in heav- 
en?' The Lord only knows; I have no well-grounded 
hope now I On the contrary, with me all is darkness, 
gloom, despair! 

"I write, I know, on such a subject, altogether ^oo 
tamdy, but I have ceased to have those emotions that 
will make me write in any other manner than coldly, 
even in describing my miserable situation. I am glad 
you wrote me. I have ceased to feel much interest in 



A WARNING TO BACKSLIDERS. 425 

every thing. Many of my friends look upon me as lost to 
all useful purposes, and say I am liypochondriacal The 
consequence is, that but few take any interest in me in 
any way whatever. Very few know any thing about my 
condition or disease. I have written to you in the free 
dom of consequences. I am glad you wrote me; for I 
have been wishing for an excuse to write to you. Give 
me your counsel, as well as your good wishes and ardent 
prayers, which I can, I trust, in some sort, appreciate. 

"My dear friend — I would say brother, if I thought 
I ought to use that endearing word — what my fate is to 
be is a subject at which the thought makes me shudder. 
I sometimes conclude I have sinned away my day of 
grace. I feel that I am a wretched, miserable man, with 
few friends to sympathize with me or care about me. If 
I could feel assured that, when I pass from the shores 
of time, my troubles would be at an end, even in my 
affliction I would wait in the fullness of joy. Alas ! I 
fear I shall not be so blessed. I wish you would write, 
advising fully what course may be calculated to produce 
those feelings in the heart which result from the enjoy- 
ment of religion, which religion my judgment approves. 
* * * * This letter 

My pride, which has always been my worst enemy, you 
discover, is not yet subdued. I hope you will again 
recover your health, and live a long time yet to coU' 
inue your usefulness to the Church and the world. 

Yours, in truth and friendship, — 

36 



42G 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER LXiy. 

COLUMBIA-STREET CHARGE, SPRINGFIELD 
OHIO; 1849. 

In tlie fall of 1849 I succeeded Rev. Charles Elliott, 
D. J)., in the Columbia-Street station, Springfield, Clarke 
county, Ohio. This was a very interesting field of min- 
isterial labor. The High-Street charge was just organ- 
ized, and held regular services in the Springfield High 
School. Notwithstanding this the congregations at Co- 
lumbia-Street still continued very large. I commenced 
my labors among them from these words : For we are 
come as far as to you also, in preaching the Gospel of 
Christ." 2 Cor. x, 14. The Lord of hosts was with us 
on that day to make his word a source of comfort to very 
many hearts. 

I found the charge much scattered, which rendered 
the pastoral work onerous. Early in the winter God 
made known his reviving power in our midst. On the 
third day of December, while preaching from these words, 
"Lord, why casteth thou off my soul? why hidest thou 
thy face from me?" — Ps. Ixxxviii, 14 — we had a time of 
^•eneral weeping and searching of hearts. On the even- 
ing of that same day mourners approached the altar for 
prayer. Before the expiration of the old year we were 
favored with a season of most gracious visitation. This 
blessed work continued till the opening of spring. In 
April my health began seriously to decline, and it was 
with much difficulty that I filled my regular appoint- 
ments. In May I attended the anniversary of the Sun- 
day School Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
held in Wesley Chapel, Cincinnati. This was a deeply- 
interesting occasion. At the close of the exercises I was 



COLUMBIA-STREET, SPRINGTIELD. 



427 



taken violently sick, and did not return home for more 
than two weeks ; but in the midst of the ^' furnace " I 
was enabled to lean, by faith, on my blessed Jesus. 0, 
the peace and joy of my soul during that illness I 

Our first child, Thomas Parrott G-addis, was born at 
Dayton, June 5, 1850. At Chillicothe, during confer- 
ence, I had a slight hemorrhage from the lungs, or throat, 
which enfeebled me so that I was not able to attend to 
business while there. I was returned to Columbia-Street 
charge another year, and commenced my labors on Sab- 
bath night. I asked Grod for a special token of his favor 
in the commencement of the year, to inspire fresh cour- 
age in the hearts of his people. It was granted. The 
glory of the Lord filled the house,^' and two joined. 
Halleluiah ! Amen. It was the beginning of good times 
for Springfield. 

Late in the fall I had concluded to publish a volume 
of sermons, called the "Ohio Conference Offering." I 
was unaccustomed to mental labor of this kind. The 
work necessary to prepare this volume for the press, in 
addition to my regular duties in the station, was quite 
too much for my shattered nerves. God favored us with 
another great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and about 
two hundred were soundly converted to God, and a great 
many were added to the Church. My old friend. Rev. 
Joseph M. Trimble, D. D., then stationed in Cincinnati, 
came up to my help, and preached several eloquent ser- 
mons, much to the comfort and edification of the Church 
of God. Early in the spring I was attacked with laryn- 
gitis, from which I suffered much during the summer. 
In the month of May the "Conference Offering" was 
placed in the hands of the printers at Cincinnati. The 
editing of the work gave me much perplexity and trouble 
of mind, calling me off from the duties of the station at 
periods when I was least able to endure the extra fatigue. 



428 rooT'PRiNTS or an itinerant. 

I had, also, to become personally responsible to the pub- 
lisher for the entire expenses of its publication. When 
the work was completed, I took a short journey to De- 
troit, Michigan, to recover my health; but I was not 
permitted to rest there. I preached once before my de- 
parture, and also once during the session of the 3Iichi- 
gan conference, at Monroe. I returned home much the 
worse for my trip, to assist in making preparations for 
the session of our conference, which was to be held in 
Columbia-Street Chui-ch, at Springfield. The trial of 
preparation, the fatigue and excitement of that confer- 
ence, at the close of a hard year's ministerial toil, com- 
pletely prostrated my nervous system. I was scarcely 
able to keep out of my bed for several days after the ad- 
journment of the session. This was the last session of 
the old Ohio conference. The next spring another con- 
ference was set off in the south-west, by the Greneral con- 
ference, which was held at Boston. 

This new conference is designated the Cincinnati an- 
nual conference. It is bounded on the south by the 
Ohio river, and on the west by the Indiana state line, to 
the southern bounds of the Xorth Ohio conference; and 
thence eastwardly along said line so as to exclude Sidney 
and Delaware districts, of the Xorth Ohio conference, to 
the boundary of the Ohio conference, at its junction with 
the southern line of the North Ohio conference ; thence 
in a south-easterly direction with said western line of the 
Ohio conference, to the mouth of the Ohio Brush creek. 
This is one of the most interesting fields of labor in 
Ohio. 

A good brother of the name of Mc. died, during my 
labors in the Springfield station, a very tranquil death. 
Although he had been a member of the Church for some 
time, he had neglected to consecrate himself to God in 
the sacred ordinance of baptism A short time before 



COLUMBIA-STREET; SPRINGEIELD. 429 

his departure from this vale of tears, I was called upon 
to perform this holy rite. After I had consecrated him 
to Grod; I asked him if he did not wish to have his two 
little children baptized also. He burst into a flood of 
tears, and called his wife to his dying bed, and addressed 
her as follows : My dearest wife, I must soon die and 
leave you and my sweet children. After I am dead and 
gone you will often be sad and lonely j then you will feel 
the need of the religion of Jesus Christ to support, 
cheer, and comfort you more than you have done while I 
was living. I believe you will seek religion, and join the 
Church, and prepare to meet me in the ^better land,' 
^ where the inhabitants never sicken and die.' As soon 
as you are converted, and unite with the people of Grod, 
I want you to take these dear children of ours to the 
sanctuary, and consecrate them to Grod in holy baptism. 
Will you do it?" His almost heart-broken companion 
responded, Yes, I will !" 

Not long after this interesting interview, brother Mc. 
died in great peace. I attended his funeral, and did not 
fail to remind the widow of his request and her jpromise. 
During the progress of the revival, the following winter, 
she experienced an interest in the blood of the Lamb, 
and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Soon 
after her connection with the Columbia-Street charge, 
she presented her two fatherless children at the altar for 
holy baptism. I never shall forget that lovely and affect- 
ing scene. I fancied the spirit of the departed father 
mingled, unperceived, in the assembly, to witness the 
faithful performance of his last dying request. What a 
happy meeting above awaits that wife and her children, 
if they love God and serve him faithfully on earth ! 

*' 0, to tliink of meeting there, 
The friends whose grave received our tears ; 
The daughter loved, the wife adored, 
To our widow'd arms restored ; 



430 



rOOT-PRlNTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



And all the joys whicli death did sever, 
Given to us again forever ! 

9 O 5 O Q 9 

Who would not long from earth to fly, 

-3 9 s- » 2- 9 

When the glorious prospect lies 
Full before his raptured eyes?" 



CHAPTER LXY 

S P R I N G r I E L D . 

Springfield is a beautiful city, situated on the Na- 
tional road, and on the line of railroads connecting Cin- 
cinnati with Sandusky, Dayton, and Xenia. It is sur- 
rounded by a handsome and fertile country, and is noted 
for the morality and intelligence of its inhabitants. By 
many it is considered the most beautiful city within the 
limits of Ohio. The eastern fork of Mad river washes it 
on the north. Through the place runs the Lagonda, a 
swift and never-failing mill-stream, affording fine water- 
power. 

Among the early settlers of Springfield were David 
Lowry, in 1795; John Humphreys and James Dement, 
in 1799; Griffith Foos, in 1801; and Walter Smallwood, 
in 1804. At this period the total number of log-cabins 
did not exceed twelve. The first school was opened in 
1806, by Nathaniel Pinkered. The first meeting for 
preaching was held in Mr. Foos's tavern, by a Baptist 
minister by the name of Thomas, in 1803. The first 
Church organization was that of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. They held their first meetings in Pinkered^«^ 
school-house. Rev. John Sale and Rev. John Kobler 
were the first to minister to them in holy things. The 
first Methodist Church edifice was erected in Springfield 
in 1814. It was built on in-lot number 40, purchased 



SPRINGFIELD. 



481 



I'rom Maddox Fisher, Esq., for the sum of one hundred 
dollars, and deeded September 7, 1815, to Saul Henkle, 
James Montgomery, John Burgess, Jacob Harinsburger, 
Jacob Single, William M'Cartney, and William Bose, 
trustees in trust, etc. This old frame edifice remains to 
this time, but has been occupied as a dwelling for many 
years. In 1881 the trustees purchased from Col. John 
Dougherty forty-eight square rods of ground on the south 
east corner of Columbia and West streets. On this lot 
they caused to be erected the present Church edifice, a 
most spacious building, with side and end galleries. It 
was dedicated November 23, 1833. The society was or 
ganized into a station in the fall of 1840, and Rev. Wil- 
liam Young appointed preacher in charge. Rev. Solomon 
Howard, Rev. J. W. Weakley, Rev. W. Ilerr, Rev. Uriah 
Heath, Rev. R. S. Foster, and Rev. Charles Elliott, D. D., 
preceded me in this station. The High-Street Church 
edifice, adjoining the Springfield High School, was built 
in 1850, and dedicated July 27, 1851. This society is a 
branch from Columbia-Street charge, and was first organ- 
ized in 1849, under the administration of Rev. Charles 
Elliott, D. D., who first supplied them with preaching in 
the basement of the Springfield High School. A num- 
ber of excellent institutions of learning are now in suc- 
cessful operation in Springfield, among which the Female 
College and Springfield High School stands foremost. 
The first edifice was erected by a "joint stock company,'^ 
and remained under their control till the year 1839, at 
which time it was transferred to the Ohio annual confer- 
ence, upon condition that the conference would assume 
all its liabilities^ and keep up in future a school of the 
highest grade. The school was first opened under the 
superintendence of the late Rev. Mr. Gonzales, in 1840. 
He was followed by Rev. Chandler Robbins, now proprie- 
tor and Instructor of Greenway Boarding-School for Boys 



432 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

and late pastor of the Episcopal Cimrcli in that city. 
Eey. Solomon Howard, D. J)., succeeded Mr. Kobbins, and 
was assisted by Enocb Gr. Dial, as Professor of Languages. 
Soon after Doctor Howard became the Principal the 
school was divided into two departments, male and female, 
both occupying the same building. In 1849 Mr. Dial 
resigned his professorship, and Rev. Thomas Harrison, 
now the Principal of Carlisle Seminary, was appointed in * 
his place. The following year Mrs. Louisa Mulliken, an 
amiable and accomplished lady, was employed as Precep- 
tress and Instructress in French. The institution is at 
present under the supervision of Rev. John W. Weakley, 
A. M., who is assisted by five efficient teachers. For the 
last ten years the average attendance of students has 
been from one hundred and fifty to two hundred. Within 
the last two years the trustees have enlarged and beauti- 
fied the college edifice. The building now occupied is 
nearly one hundred feet long, by fifty feet wide, and four 
stories high. The style of architecture is modern Italian, 
and is the handsomest and most imposing public building 
in the city. The President resides in it, and boards all 
the young ladies from a distance. There are beside large 
and ample rooms for chapel and all recitation purposes. 
The institution is now in a highly-prosperous condition, 
an honor to the city, and a credit to the Church. It is 
the property, and under the control of the Cincinnati 
conference, and, with the exception of the Worthington 
Female Seminary, it is the oldest institution belonging 
to the Church in the bounds of the old Ohio conference. 
Those who may wish to send their sons and daughters 
away from home, to have them educated, may send them 
to this institution with the assurance that their train- 
ing will be thorough, and their morals and religion duly 
attended to by the President and his estimable lady. 



SPRINGFIELD 



433 



JESUS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR HOPE. 

Doctor R., of T., informed me that he was called to see 
a lovely young lady on her death-bed. She had been a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nine 
years. She was devotedly pious^ and adorned the doe- 
trine" of Grod her Savior^ by an exemplary life of self- 
denial. She was taken suddenly ill of a very dangerous 
malady, and it was soon apparent to herself and friends 
that the time of her dissolution was drawing near. She 
gave to all her friends and family connections the most 
satisfactory assurance that she was dressed and ready 
for her flight." A few days previous to her death she 
had a presentiment that before her change" would come 
she would lose the power of speech ; this, for a time, dis- 
tressed her very much, and also affected her mother to 
tears. At length the daughter said, Mother, do not 
weep for me; ^all is well! all is well!' If I do lose the 
power of speech, and my heavenly Father should con- 
tinue my reasoning faculties, I want you to bring me my 
small Bible that I love so well, and I will show you the 
foundation of my hope for a happy immortality." About 
three days after this she was suddenly seized with 
paralysis, which almost instantly deprived her of the 
ability to articulate a word so as to be understood. She 
lay in this condition for more than three days, apparently 
unconscious. The mother, in her anguish, forgot the 
request of her dying child, made only a few days before 
her tongue ceased to speak of her bright hopes beyond 
the grave; but as the closing scene drew very near her 
anxiety to know the state of her daughter's mind revived 
on a sudden both the request and promise. ^' Gro quick- 
ly," said the mother to one of the children, ^' and bring 
Mary's Bible." It was brought and handed to the moth- 
er, and as soon as Mary saw it she smiled and reached out 
ST 



434 



rOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



her hands, now chilled with the waters of Jordan. The 
Jjible was handed to her, and she opened it on the third 
chapter of St. John, and placing her finger on the precious 
name of ''Jesus,'' underscored it with her nail and 
handed it to her weeping mother. Her dying mark 
remains upon the word to this day. ''Jesus" was the 
foundation of her hope. "Other foundation could no 
man lay." 

"Jesus, the vision of thy face 

Hiitli overpowering charms ; 
Scarce shall I feel death's cold embrace 

If Christ be in my arms. 
And -when I feel my heart-strings break, 

How sweet the moments roll ; 
A mortal paleness on my cheek, 

But glory in my soul !" 

With the name of Jesus on her eye and his glory 
in her heart, that sainted one passed away like the transit 
of a bright and beautiful star to the brighter glories of 
heaven. 

THE PHILOSOPHIC DOCTOR EXCITED. 

While attending a protracted meeting in the town of 
C, an amusing incident occurred. Doctor B., whose wife 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and who him- 
self had been raised a Calvinist, was powerfully convicted 
by the Spirit of God. He made known the state of his 
mind to his neighbors, and also continued to attend our 
meetings very regularly, but objected to the "loud cries" 
and "excitement" at the altar. He often said that he 
was fully convinced that he felt his need of religion as 
deeply as any one of them, yet nothing could induce him 
to go there for prayers. He also remarked, and -wished 
me to notice it, that should he at last conclude to go for* 
ward, he would not suffer himself to become excited like 
many who were crying and weeping so as to be heard all 
over the house. The .meeting continued for several 



SPRINGFIELD. 



435 



weeks, and many were powerfully converted; but the poor 
Doctor still was shut up in the prison-house of unbelief. 
He sought in his philosophic way for a long time, but 
could find no relief. At last he concluded to approach 
our altar for prayers. I shall never forget that scene. 
Before he reached the altar he was in tears, and greatly 
agitated in body. He prostrated himself at the altar and 
cried aloud for mercy. He soon forgot the excitement'' 
of which he had spoken, when he became deeply engaged 
for the salvation of his own soul. He remained on his 
knees till the close of the meeting, apparently uncon- 
scious of every thing that was passing around him 
When I pronounced the benediction the congregation all 
retired from the house before I had an opportunity of 
speaking with my friend Doctor B. However, I soon 
learned, on going out into the street, that he was getting 
along very well. The next morning, when he arose and 
wished to go out, he could not find his hat. Diligent 
search was made for it all over the house and in the 
office, but no trace of it could be found. At length his 
anxiety for the safety of his hat suddenly subsided on 
the reception of a note from the sexton of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, informing him that it was safe and 
sound, and sitting just where he left it, not far from the 
altar. The Doctor was surprised, and at last laughed 
heartily, and remarked, ^'Well, I think it would be diffi- 
cult for me now to convince Mr. Graddis and my Method- 
ist friends that I was free from excitement last night, after 
returning bareheaded, without knowing that I had left 
my hat in the church.'^ I need only remark that God 
converted the Doctor, and he never afterward was heard 
to say a word about excitement'' at the altar in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church among our mourners. 

This incident has revived in my mind another little 
altar-scene of a similar character. It was during a most 



m 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



extraordinary revival in the Ancient Metropolis of this 

state. A Mr. was awakened, but declared that going 

to the altar would do him no good, because of the noise 
and excitement. I often tried to prevail on him to try 
it, but he objected for some days. At length he conclu- 
ded to go forward and make the experiment. I never 
witnessed more noise and loud weeping and shouting 
than we had that night. Do you ask me what effect it 

had upon Mr. ? I will tell you. On returning home 

to the place where he boarded he walked into the parloi 
and remarked to the lady of the house, ^^Well, Mrs. A., 
you had a good meeting to-night.'' She replied affirma- 
tively, and inquired, ^^How did you enjoy the meeting, 

Mr. V He smiled and said, "0, very well, very 

well, indeed. I never was at a meeting that I liked half 
so well before. There was not half as much excitement as 
usual, and that is one reason why I enjoyed it so well.'' 
Mrs. A. smiled, and enjoyed it very much. The secret 
of the whole matter is easily explained. He was at the 
altar and praying for his own soul, instead of watching 
the conduct of others. When deeply engaged for our- 
selves in religious matters, we will be quite indifferent to 
what others are doing around us. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 

PIQUA STATION, MIAMI COUNTY. 

I ENTERED upon my duties at Piqua station under a 
painful conviction of my physical inability. Every ser- 
mon that I attempted to preach I feared might lay me 
aside; and even when I commenced a discourse I had 
just ground to fear I should not have strength to finish 
it; yet God was my help in time of need. T spit blood 



PIQUA STATION. 



437 



daily from the rupture of small vessels in my throat, and 
yet I filled all my regular ministerial engagements, often- 
times preaching three times a week. My sufi"erings were 
greatly mitigated by the kindness of the people of my 
charge. Their united prayers, offered in private and 
public, in my behalf, imparted new strength to my soul, 
and increased my bodily vigor. 

At our first quarterly meeting, on the 25th of October, 
1851, the Spirit of the Lord was poured out, and, during 
the following week, fourteen were added to the Church. 
The work went on gradually; some were converted almost 
every week. Our ^'watch-night" meeting was one of 
unusual interest. I had the assistance of the local 
brethren, who rendered me valuable aid whenever I 
needed it. About half-past eleven o'clock I preached 
on Jeremiah vi, 4 : Woe unto us, for the day goeth 
away, and the shadows- of the evening are stretched 
out." While urging the congregation to improve the 
present period, or "day of salvation" — for if suffered to 
pass it could not be recalled — a deep and solemn sense 
of the presence of Grod rested on the whole assembly. 
^'The day goeth away, and the shadows of the evening 
are stretched out." It was twelve o'clock. 

"The year has gone, and with it 
Many a glorious throng of happy dreams. 
Its mark is on each brow, 
Its shadow in each heart ; 
In its swift course it waved its scepter 
O'er the beautiful, and they are not ! 
It laid its pallid hand upon the strong man, 
And the haughty form is fallen, 
And the flashing eye is dim ! 
It trod the halls of revelry, 
Where thronged the blest and joyous, 
And the tearful wail of stricken ones is heard, 
Where first the song and reckless shout resounded I 
It passed o'er the battle plain, 
Where sword, and spear, and shield 
Flashed in the light of mid-day, 



438 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



And the strength of serried host is shivered; 
And the grass, green from the soul of carnage, 
Waves above the crushed and molded skeleton, 
And faded like a -wreath of mist at eve ; 
Yet, ere it melted in the vievs^less air, 
It heralded its millions to their home, 
In the dim land of dreams !" 

An awful sense of the majesty of Grod awed every soul 
into reverence. We then bowed in silent prayer before 
the Lord our Grod, after which we united in singing the 
"covenant hymn^' on our knees. I then opened the 
doors of the Churchy and seven persons presented them- 
selves for membership, all of whom are still valuable 
members of Christ's "visible body.'' The glory of God 
filled the temple, and many of his saints shouted for joy 
I then went into the pulpit, and read from the twenty- 
fourth of Joshua the following appropriate passages : 
"And the people said unto Joshua, Nay, but we will serve 
the Lord. And Joshua said unto the people. Ye are wit- 
nesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the 
Lord, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses 
Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which 
are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God 
of Israel. And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord 
our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey, k^c 
Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and 
set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. Ana 
Joshua wrote these words on the book of the law of God, 
and took a great stone and set it up there under an oak 
that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. And Joshua 
said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a wit- 
ness unto us ; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord 
which he spake unto us. It shall be, therefore, a witness 
unto you lest ye deny your God. So Joshua let the peo- 
ple depart, every man unto his inheritance." I then 
pronounced the benediction, and we all retired with joy- 



PIQUA STATION. 



439 



fu! hearts to our homes. Thus ended the most profitable 
and interesting '^watch-night'^ meeting that I ever held. 
It was followed by a glorious revival that lasted till some 
time in March. 

During this season of refreshing from the presence of 
the Lord, we were called to mourn and weep for departed 
worth. The young and beautiful, the middle-aged, and 
those laden with the weight of years, were suddenly cut 
ofi" from our congregation. These repeated strokes were 
sanctified in the progress of holiness, and the awakening 
of the thoughtless. Among the deceased were some 
greatly beloved by the Church for their many Christian 
virtues — Mrs. Hannah Grarnsey, an aged disciple; Miss 
Sarah Jane Keyt, an amiable young lady; and Mrs. Mary 
Mitchell, and brother Willson Widney, brother-in-law of 
Kev. S. Maclay, our first missionary to China. Brother 
"Widney was a man of great moral worth, and one of our 
most ejficient stewards at Piqua. But " these all died in 
faith,'' and are now shining among the glorified. Among 
the number of those who were converted in that revival 
were two excellent young men, both of whom have since 
been licensed to preach, and one of them is now a trav- 
eling preacher. 

During the spring and summer my health was very 
feeble, and I sufi"ered much from my throat, which con- 
tinued to grow worse by speaking. Over one hundred 
were added to the Church as the fruit of my first year's 
ministry at Piqua. The congregations were large during 
the summer season. I often remarked, in the pulpit, 
toward the close of the year, that the ''way of the Lord" 
was preparing for a glorious manifestation of saving 
power, and I exhorted the people to expect it, and pray 
for it every day. I also remarked frequently, that, 
whether I was returned to the station or not, I fully 
believed that God would send such a revival among them 



440 l OOT-PRIis TS OE AN ITINERANT. 



as had never been witnessed in that city. This was my 
faith, and in this confidence I continued strong unto the 
end of the year, giving glory to Grod.'' The year 
closed with a full tide of prosperity. Our missionary 
collection was more than fifty per cent, in advance of 
any previous year. The Sabbath school was also in a 
highly-prosperous state, and numbered over four hundred. 
I think the Pi qua school is the second one in America 
that is favored with a correspondence ^' from our first 
missionary to China, Eev. S. Maclay. This should in- 
spire our young friends in Piqua to contribute largely to 
the missionary cause. The place being too strait for 
us," the trustees procured a lot in the southern part of 
the city, with a view to the organization of a second 
charge as soon as practicable. 

At the session of the next conference, which was held 
in Xenia, I was returned to the station with Rev. W. J. 
Thurber as assistant preacher. My health during the 
conference at Xenia improved slowly, and I met the en- 
emy again on the same battle field, resolved to " conquer 
or die." I was really anxious to return to Piqua, because 
I firmly believed ^'Grod would fight for us." "All things 
are possible to him that believeth." 



CHAPTER LXVII. 

"never go av\;^ay without prayer." 

This was the remark of a dear child of Grod to me, as 
she lay upon her dying bed. I formed her acquaintance 
soon after my connection with the Piqua station. From 
her early childhood she evinced a serious turn of mind. 
Her youthful days were marked by the best of all dis- 
tinctions, the entire consecration of herself to Grod. At 



NEVER GO AWAY WITHOUT PKAYER. 441 



ten she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
in her sixteenth year was found walking closely with 
Gk)d. For a long time before her death she had a strong 
presentiment that her stay here would not be long. This 
impression was sanctified to her good, and she gradually 
and visibly ripened for a better world. Her trials and 
recent bereavements were also graciously sanctified to her 
good. A father^ whom she tenderly loved; and her af- 
fectionate husband, both had lately died in California. 
These repeated strokes weakened her hold on earthly 
objects, and made her often exclaim, I would not live 
always I" 

In the year 1849 she sought and found full redemption 
in the blood of Christ. From that hour a marked change 
was visible in her daily walk and conversation. The con- 
secration was entire, and her progress in holiness steady. 
The remainder of her life was devoted to the service of 
her heavenly Father. She went on her way a " bright 
shining light.'^ But we are called to look upon her at 
the close of her pilgrimage. The typhoid pneumonia 
was prevailing in the town and vicinity, and her young- 
est sister fell a victim to the disease, after a brief ill- 
ness of ten days. Other members of the household 
were taken ill, but recovered. During all this time, the 
beloved sister of whom I now write, walked softly by 
day and night, in the chamber of sickness, from one 
couch to another, like some kind ministering angel of 
mercy. Not a word of murmur was ever heard to fall 
from her lips, although she seemed to feel the death of 
her sister most keenly. At length, wearied and broken 
down by long and painful watching, and exposed to in- 
fected atmosphere, she fell a victim to the same disease. 
At each successive visit I found her gradually growing 
worse ; but Jesus was precious to her soul." On 
Thursday evening she was very ill, and made the re- 



142 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

mark above quoted, "Never go aioay without prayer.^* 
0, may I always remember tbis wben visiting the sick 
and dying ! Ministers of Jesus, ponder it well, and 0^ 
never, " never go away witbout prayer !" 

Tbat same evening sbe was seized witb an alarming 
nervous depression and sudden determination of tbe dis- 
ease to ber brain. In tbe nigbt I was aroused from my 
slumbers, and bastily summoned to ber sick-room. Tbe 
scene in tbat dying cbamber was one of moral grandeur. 
It was tbe " audience-cbamber of Deity.'' Her pbys- 
ical anguisb, at times, was very great; pain was legibly 
written on every lineament of ber face, and sucb was tbe 
violence of ber disease tbat ber mind did not, at all 
times, maintain its balance ; yet, amid ber wildest rav- 
ings, ber beart seemed to point unerringly to tbe Savior, 
and ber countenance was radiant witb immortal bope. 
All ber lucid moments were filled up witb fervent prayer 
and expressions of sweet resignation to tbe Divine will. 
Tbe sbort and expressive prayer of tbe Syropbenician 
woman sbe repeated most frequently, '^Lord, belp me! 
Lord, belp me ! Lord, belp me just now ! 0, tbe power 
of faitb ! Come, dear Jesus, and come quickly ! Tby 
will be done. It must be done ! It shall he done! Not 
mine, but tbine, dear Savior !" 

On Sabbatb sbe said to me, " Wby do you not all give 
me up, and let me go ? I bave no desire to live." On 
Sabbatb nigbt sbe felt tbat ber work was done, and she 
would often exclaim, in a clear voice, "Dear Savior, come! 
Tbe power of faitb ! I am nothing I Grlorify thyself ! 
Dear Savior, glorify thyself! Lord God of hosts, God 
of Jacob, come I The Lord can save me ! My Savior, 
come now I" Her disease continued to rage till her frail 
bark was completely dismantled ; but she was drawing 
near the harbor; tbe winds were hushed to rest, and she 
was gliding sweetly" over a calm and quiet sea. On 



'^NOT YET, SIR " 



443 



her "homeward bound voyage, when in sight of the 
"highlands" of immortality, she pointed heavenward, 
and exclaimed aloud, " The Lord God Omnipotent reign- 
eth ! Now glorify thyself ! Come, Lord Jesus, and come 
quickly ! Amen and amen." 

A short time before her joyful exit, she remarked to 
me, "You must pray again; though I am too weak to fol- 
low you in my mind, yet I can listen." 0, it seemed to 
be the medicine of her soul, prayer and praise ! As the 
earthly tabernacle was gradually dissolving, and the cold 
waves of Jordan dashing about her pilgrim feet, she lifted 
up her voice, and exclaimed, " 0, the power of faith ! 
Precious Jesus ! Precious J esus ! Precious Jesus ! He 
can save me !" And at last, with slow and measured tread, 
she went down into the chilly waters of the death stream, 
proclaiming, at each successive tread, till the power of 
articulation failed, Firm, firm, firm in the Lord!" 



CHAPTER LXYIII. 

"not yet, sir." 

This was the reply of Mr. M., Esq., to me on his 
dying bed when I asked him if he did not desire 
me to pray for him before I left his room. It was 
the first time that I had ever seen him. I had often 
heard it remarked that Mr. J. M., Esq., was an in- 
fidel, and at times very profane, and that during the 
early part of his last sickness he tried to banish all 
serious thoughts from his mind. But when it was 
announced that he must die, a deep interest was man- 
ifested among his religious friends for the salvation 
of his soul. His open hostility to religion was so well 
known that no one felt willing to approach him on that 



444 FOOT-PKINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

important subject. An intimate friend of his, and also 
a member of the bar, requested me several times to pay 
kim a visit and assured me of a kind reception. I was 
just as often warned by others to stay away, as I would 
be sure to get my feelings wounded if I should intro- 
duce in his presence the subject of religion. After much 
prayerful deliberation I finally concluded to go. My 
name was announced at the door, and I was most cor- 
dially received. The subject of religion was unexpect- 
edly introduced by himself, and with great frankness 
he related to me the whole experience of his past life. 

"^ly wife,'^ said 3Ir. 31., ^^is a member of your 
Church, or at least she was so when we were married, 
and if I am not mistaken she has now her certificate in 
the drawer of her own bureau. I suppose, Mr. Gaddis, 
that you have been told that I am an infidel?" I re- 
plied, "Yes, sir, I have often heard such a statement.'' 
""Well," continued he, "'I am glad that you have come 
to see me; I vrill now reveal to you, as a stranger, what 
I have always concealed from my acquaintances in this 
.city. About twelve months previous to my marriage, 
while attending a protracted meeting held by your de- 
nomination in the neighborhood of my father's, I was 
deeply convicted of my sinful state and went forward to 
the altar several times for prayer. However, during the 
nrogress of the meeting a young man with whom I had 
quarreled came forward also to the altar, and kneeled 
down by my side. I was powerfully tempted by the 
devil. At last I yielded; I arose from my knees and 
took a seat in the congregation. I then thought I would 
continue to seek the salvation of my soul in secret, but 
the enemy took advantage of the enmity existing be- 
tween myself and this young man to prevent me from 
uniting with the Church. I then promised that I would 
forsake all my former wicked practices and lead a strictly/- 



^^NOT YETj SIR." 



445 



moral life. But my associations were such that i soon 
found this course impracticable. I then determined to 
marry, and hoped I would find fewer difficulties in the 
way of becoming a good man. But in this I was dis- 
appointed also ; I was poor and had to live in rather an 
obscure settlement. My wife did not unite with the 
Church, and we first attended the preaching of one de- 
nomination and then another till I lost all desire to be 
a good man. I have not, since I came here, attended 
any place of worship. But I can assure you, Mr. G-ad- 
dis, that T am a firm heliever in the Holy Bihle." 

I was agreeably disappointed in finding him so ready 
to converse upon a subject for which I was told he had 
always manifested such an aversion while in health. I 
talked with him very freely for more than two hours. 
Just before my departure I asked the privilege of pray- 
ing : his emphatic reply stands at the head of this chap- 
ter. He requested me to call soon again. I promised 
to do so. In the course of a few days I called in to 
see how he was getting along. I found him much worse ; 
I was convinced that he could not survive long. After 
the usual salutations he remarked, I am very glad that 
you have come to see me again, for several reasons. 
Since you were here some of my neighbors have made 
a number of assertions that has caused me great afflic- 
tion of mind. Some have reported one thing and some 
another.'^ On my asking what they were, he said, 
"They have reported that I insulted you, that I ordered 
you out of my house when you proposed to pray, etc. 
Now, sir, I am glad you are here. Did I not treat you 
kindly and gentlemanly? did I say any thing to wound 
your feelings? If T did I was not conscious of it. I 
can assure you nothing was farther from my mind and 
heart than what my neighbors have reported.'^ I told 
him to rest easy about that matter, I could easily set 



446 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



the public right; and had not heard any one even allude 
to the things of which he spoke. This seemed to give 
him immediate relief in mind. I again conversed freely 
with him, but was not permitted to pray, although treated 
with much kindness. On getting up to leave him he 
reached out his almost skeleton hand and pressed me to 
return soon again. I promised to do so. He declined 
rapidly, and in a few days died suddenly. On my enter- 
ing the house a few days afterward his wife met me at 
the door, and as I walked through the parlor she said^ 
with a look and stern manner that I shall never forget, 
"Mr. Gaddis, don't you dare to tell my husband that he 
is not prepared to die. I know Judson better than you, 
I know he is a good man.'' I replied, ''It may be all 
true in regard to his being a good man and a kind 
husband, yet, Mrs. M., your 'good husband' has no 
religion. He does not even profess to have any. I can 
assure you, 3Irs. 31., that nothing will deter me from a 
faithful discharge of my duty so long as your husband 
desires my counsel and spiritual instructions." Before 
my departure that day Mr. M. wept, and said, "0, my 
poor wife ! 0, my poor wife I what will become of her ? 
I could die with less regret if she did not behave so 
strangely." Alas for her! she had restrained prayer 
and forgotten the God of her youth. "Her own back- 
slidings were reproving her," and she was emphatically 
" filled with her own ways." The Spirit had ceased to 
strive, and she was drifting down the current to the fatal 
whirlpool of destruction. I left them that day with a sad 
heart. It was not long after this when, late at night, 
a messenger came in haste to inform me that Mr. M. 
was dying, and that he wanted me to pray for him. 1 
hastened to his dying chamber. On approaching his 
bed I saw his days were numbered, and that soon he 
would experience what it is to be a disembodied spirit. 



MY LAST CHARGE. 



447 



E asked him if lie wanted me to pray now. " 0, yes I" 
said the dying man, '^you may pray now. 0, I feel I 
need it!'' I took his right hand in my own and kneeled 
down to pray for him as well as I could. I had not 
prayed long before I thought he ceased to breathe. I 
opened my eyes, and lo ! his spirit had fled before the 
prayer was finished. I ceased to pray for him, but 
offered a short prayer for his poor wife and little daugh- 
ter. I learned from a colored man, who attended him 
during the last days of his sickness, that when he found 
that there was no hope of his recovery he prayed for 
him himself frequently. 

how many in the early part of a fatal sickness say 
to the minister or in their heart, "Not yet, not yet^ 
sir!" But, alas! when death is grappling for their heart- 
strings, and the realities of the eternal world are ready 
to burst upon their affrighted souls, they begin to pray 
often when it is too late. Thus it was with Mr. M. 0, 
how many have said " not yet when God calls them to 
repent and believe the Gospel now! Poor sinner, "boast 
not thyself of to-morrow." 



CHAPTER LXIX. 

iMY LAST CHARGE— PIQUA STATION, SECOND 
YEAR, 1 8 52. 

My second year in Piqua opened under favorable aus- 
pices. The congregations were large and deeply atten- 
tive. At Green-street, and at the South District School, 
the new place of worship, the house was generally 
crowded. The new church building was immediately 
put under contract, and all were much encouraged to 
look for a season of extraordinary revival. Owing to 



448 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

circumstances beyond our control; the faith of the 
Church; at one time, icavered. Some, who were not 
easily discouraged heretofore, had a sore trial of their 
faith^^ in regard to our hopes of a great outpouring of 
the Holy Spirit; but my heart had seized its object 
with such an intensity of desire, that its grasp was as 
strong as death. I looked not at the waves,'' but, by 
faith, to my Savior. I remembered well the years of 
the right hand of the Most High," and how G-od, through 
my feeble instrumentality, had wrought wonders among 
the people in other days. Unbelief I knew was weakness. 
for then we are left alone ; but faith is omni^otentj be- 
cause it is Ghd and man together. Blessed be Grod ! such 
a faith was imparted to me on that trying occasion. My 
inmost soul cried out, ^^Who art thou, great mount- 
ain ? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain." 
The faith that demands for itself a right of way'' to 
rebuild the walls " of Zion, and repair all the 
"breaches" thereof, will always prevail with Grod and 
man. 

In the latter part of December I was taken suddenly 
■ill with violent palpitation of heart. I was dangerously 
sick for more than forty-eight hours. I had often been 
attacked in the same way before, but I never had suf- 
fered so long without relief, or even a mitigation of my 
disease; but the "good hand of my God was upon me." 
That affliction was finally made a great blessing to my 
soul ; I came out of it very weak in body, but greatly re- 
freshed in spirit. A few moments before I was relieved, 
while dozing upon my bed, I fancied that I was traveling 
over a most beautiful and fertile plain, with the rapidity 
of the wind. I had not proceeded far, however, till I 
descried, in the distance, on my left, an overwhelming 
land-flood, coming down over the green valley. Its dark, 
turbid waters rolled mountains high, submersring every 



MY LAST CHARGE. 



449 



thing in its course. At the same moment I discovered a 
celestial guide on my right^ who urged me forward with 
increased velocity. We soon came up to where the over- 
flowing waters had passed across the plain. I was con- 
ducted over the channel of the river " dry shod.'' The 
waters were not only assuaged, but the land was dry upon 
which I made my foot-pririts. In a moment we resumed 
our journey again, and traveled on most delightfully. It 
was not long, however, till we came in sight of the same 
river; but 0, how changed the scene before me ! It was 
deep, and wide, and full; its waters were as clear as 
crystal. I looked into the limpid stream with feelings of 
inexpressible delight. As I stood upon its banks my ce- 
lestial guide addressed me as follows : 

Thousands have crossed this stream just here, deep 
and wide as it appears, in perfect safety; but I do not 
require even this of you at the present time. Come 
with me, and let us travel along the bank up the river 
a short distance." I cheerfully complied, and we went 
rapidly forward. Imagine my surprise on being soon 
conducted down into the water, where it was not more 
than ankle deep, and narrowed down into an inconsidera- 
ble brook, over which I passed in a moment. I was 
aroused from this imaginary journey by the most de- 
lightful sensations that I ever experienced. I was soon 
very happy, and felt that my present sickness was not 
unto death." I remarked to my wife, that I believed I 
would soon get better ; that God had some work for me 
yet to do in Piqua. It was not long till my alarming 
symptoms all subsided, and I fell into a refreshing slum- 
ber. On awaking, I felt like saying, Bless the Lord, 
0, my soul, and forget not all his benefits ; who forgiv- 
eth all thine iniquities, and healeth all thy diseases; 
who crowneth thy life with loving-kindness and tender 
mercy ! Amen." 

38 



450 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



I have thanked God a thousand times for that unex- 
pected affliction, and the circumstances attending my 
deliverance out of it. I have always thought of it since, 
in connection with these beautiful words in Job: '^Eorj 
then thou shalt lift up thy face without spot ; yea, thou, 
shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear; because thou 
shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as the waters 
that pass away; and thine age shall be clearer than the 
noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the' 
morning." I could rejoice and sing in my heart all day 
long, 

*' Lord, remember me for good, 

Passing through this mortal vale ; 
Show me the atoning blood 

When my strength and spirit fails ; 
Give my gasping soul to see 
Jesus crucified for me." 

On Christmas day a visiting brother preached for me 
at eleven o'clock, A. M., and I gave out another appoint- 
m/int for him at night. At the ringing of the second 
bell, I entered the church at the side door next to the 
parsonage. I found a large congregation in attendance, 
but the brother appointed to preach had not yet come 
in. I arose, and told the congregation that, as the time 
for the commencement of the service had arrived, I 
should sing and pray, and I had no doubt, by the time 
we had passed though the introductory exercises, brother 

would be in to take my place. After prayer the 

congregation engaged in singing another hymn, and, at 
its close, I concluded the brother would disappoint us. 
For a time I was covered all over with confusion, and 
knew not what to do. I was seated in the altar, before 
the table. I closed my eyes, and cried inwardly, " Lord, 
what wilt thou have me to do ?" I felt, in a moment, 
that it was my duty to preach; and I then said to the 
congregation, "Please sing another hymn, and if I can 



MY LAST CHARGE. 



451 



think of a text suitable for the occasion I will try and 
supply the brother's lack of service as well as I can/' I 
concluded to speak from these words : Wilt thou not 
revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee? 
Show us thy mercy, Lord, and grant us thy salvation. 
I will hear what God the Lord will speak : for he will 
speak peace unto his people and to his saints; but let 
them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is 
nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our 
land." Psalm Ixxxv, 6, 7, 8, 9. I remarked as follows : 

1. We have here the language of deep solicitude and 
earnest, longing desire. ^' Wilt thou not revive us again ?" 

2. Of contrition and deep penitence. " Show us thy 
mercy.'^ Mercy is our plea, etc. 

3. Of dependence. ^'Wilt not tJiouf' etc.; ^^Show 
us thy mercy, Lord;" '^G-rant us thy salvation." If 
we are revived God must do it : Without me ye can do 
nothing." 

4. Of hope and strong confidence. Wilt thou not? 
Surely thou wilt do it nx>w. ^' His salvation is nigh them 
that fear him." 

5. It is also the language of expectancy. "1 will 
hear what God the Lord will speak : for he will speak 
peace unto his people and to his saints.'^ 

"Wilt thou not revive us again?" 

1. That sinners may be awakened. 

2. That backsliders may be reclaimed. 

3. The lukewarm stirred up. 

4. That " glory may dwell in our land." 

5. That the laborers may be refreshed, ^^that thy 
people may rejoice in thee ;" " Give a little reviving in 
our bondage." 

*• As welcome as the water spring 
Is to a barren place, 
Jesus, descend on us, and bring 
Th.y sweet, refreshing grace .'^ 



4:52 FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Caution. — For the Lord will speak peace unto his 
people and to his saints; hut let them not turn again to 
follyr 

" Thy spirit theu will speak, 

Through, lips of humhle clay, 
TiU hearts of adamant shall break, 
And rebels shall obey." 

When I commenced speaking I could only recall to 
mind one-half of this plan. I went forward, trusting in 
Grod for light and timely assistance. I said nothing to 
the audience about my want of preparation, but closed 
when about half-way through my discourse. The con- 
gregation united in singing a familiar hymn, and I then 
called on a good old father in Israel ^' to pray. During 
the prayer a calm and sweet serenity filled my soul, and 
my mind became clear and collected; and before brother 
D. closed his fervent prayer, the balance of my sermon 
passed before my mind as distinct and clear as a pano- 
ramic yiew on canvas. I realized in a moment the well- 
known voice of my Master behind me, and I resolved to 
do his bidding. As soon as the prayer closed I arose 
and opened the Bible, read my text again, and com- 
menced my sermon at the point where I had left off 
speaking. The congregation were amazed at the novelty 
of the whole procedure, but I was not daunted in the 
least degree. The word of the Lord was like jire shut up 
ill my hones. I had an unction from the holy One ;" 
the word of Grod had free course, and was glorified; I 
was enabled to speak from the heart, and it went to the. 
hearts of the people. I said, Lord, I am nothing I 
Now, dear Savior ^glorify thyself!"' 

" On me, on all some gift bestow. 
Some blessing now impart ; 
The seed of life eternal sow, 
In every loving heart." 



MY LAST CHARGE. 



453 



Our faith was at this moment all-conquering^ and, 
with open face^ as in a glass, we beheld the glory of 
God revealed in the Gospel." The countenances of 
God's saints were radiant with joy. I closed by saying, 
" God is in the city I Our King is in the midst of us to- 
night ! The sacrifice is accepted ; his salvation is nigh 
them that fear him! He will ^show us his mercy ^ and 
^grcmt us his favor!' I want you to date the commence- 
ment of the ^revival' of the work of God in this station 
from this very hour.'' To this there was an audible and 
hearty response from many a joyful heart. ^'Thj way, 
God, is in the sanctuary 1 My heart trusted in him, 
and I am helped! Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, 
and with my song I will praise him !" 

This was my experience on that memorable night. On 
my return home these words were deeply impressed on 
my mind : Who shall order the battle ? And he an- 
swered, Thou. Therefore, as said the prophet to the 
king of Israel, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark and see 
what thou doestr I said, ^^Lord, who is sufficient for 
these things ? Yet not my will but thine be done. I 
am nothing ! ' Glorify thyself V '' 

"Thy faithful witness will I be, 
'Tis fixed, lean do all through thee I" 

From that night I no longer doubted that the '^set time 
to favor Zion had fully come." I walked softly before 
Him, and realized truly that " the secret of the Lord is 
with them that fear him," and he will show them his 
" salvation." 



454 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER LXX. 

FUNERAL OF A PIOUS YOUNG LADY. 

The next Sabbath after preaching the sermon given 
in the preceding chapter, I preached the funeral sermon 
of Miss J. C. from these words, "What are these which 
are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?'' 
Revelation vii, 13. Although but little known to the 
world she was "the daughter of a King.^' She was an 
only child, and dearly beloved by her widowed mother. 
In the year 1850 she came, with her parents, from the 
state of Virginia, and settled in Piqua. They had a 
pleasant home, and were delighted with their new loca- 
tion. But it was not long before her father was taken 
suddenly ill and died. For a time the earth was clad 
in mourning, and the rest of the family desired to re- 
turn to their native land, but they finally concluded to 
remain in the Miami Yalley. About a year after the. 
death of the father Miss J. fell into a decline. Soon 
after I took charge of the station she was confined to 
her room, and cut off entirely from participating in the 
public means of grace. But the consolations of religion 
were not small with her. Her piety was unquestionable, 
deep and uniform. Her peace flowed as a river, clear 
and full. I had often visited her, and always found her 
cheerful, patient, and resigned. She suffered much, and 
was reduced almost to a skeleton. My last interview 
with her was deeply interesting and affecting. I will 
narrate a part of her conversation. 

She was now near the close of life, and at this time 
we all thought her dying. She smiled and said to me, 
"I have no fear of death now, and I have not had for 
some time past. I feel no pain, but just as if T was fall- 



FUNERAL OF A PIOUS LADY. 455 

xng into a sweet sleep. what peace ! no tongue can 
describe it! Grod has been very good to me. He has 
granted me all that I have desired of him, I had a 
very kind father ; I always desired to live to close his 
eyes. Well, Grod granted me that privilege. I always 
thought I would die young, and I desired to die of a 
lingering disease. This God has granted also. It is 
true that I suffered much; but, I thank God, I never 
murmured. Before I was afflicted I went astray; I was 
becoming fond of the world; but, I bless the Lord, this 
sick-bed has been the means of saving my soul. / am 
now ready — waiting patiently. I want to see all my 
friends and class-mates. To one standing near her bed 
she said, "^Jesits is my all- sufficient Savior.'' To another 
on her right hand, "Farewell, I am going straight 
home." To sister Hannah Wood she remarked, " how 
often have you and I talked about our parents in heaven ! 
T will soon see my dear father, and meet him to part no 
more.'' It was a Ions; time before her mother could 
resign her fully into the hands of her heavenly Father, 
or become reconciled to part with her only child. But 
God strengthened her for the trial in the hour of need. 
This was a source of great comfort to her daughter when 
dying. Looking at me she said, I am glad mother has 
given me up. It was a great struggle, but grace, all-con- 
quering grace, has enabled her to do it. I now commit 
my dear mother to the care of my brethren and sisters 
in the Church at Piqua." I then inquired if she de- 
sired to give any directions concerning the manner of 
her burial and funeral ceremonies. She responded, "I 
wish the funeral services to be held in the church, if con- 
venient. I prepared all my burial-clothes more than 
two months since. I desire to be buried in the last 
dress given me by my dear father. He always loved to 
see me wear it. I wish to be interred near him, leaving 



456 rooT-PRiNTS of an itinerant. 

room for my mother on the opposite side." On seeing 
her mother weeping she said, ^^When I see mother 
weeping I can not weep, when I remember that I am 
going to dwell with Jesus, and be where my dear father 
is. I know it will not be long till mother will follow 
me. Why, then, should I weep? When I think of 
Jesus and what he has done for me I have no fear. 
no, perfect love casteth out all fear." She then sent 
the following message by me to the members of her own 
class : " Tell my dear class-mates I love them all, and I 
hope they will all meet me in heaven. Tell them, tell 
them my last breath shall be spent in prayer for them, 
that they all may die as happy and peacefully and mffer 
as little as I do." To her young lady acquaintances and 
friends she sent also the following message. The words 
show with what composure religion can invest the soul, 
and how on the verge of Jordan the song of triumph 
can break forth from the Christian's lips: ^'Tell them 
for me, I hope when I am gone they will live a more 
holy and consistent life, and not be so fond of this vain 
and gay world. I know they will not take offense at 
this advice, as it comes from one that loves them most 
affectionately, and one that is now dying." She then 
asked me if I thought she was dying; I told her she 
could not survive long. She then smiled and said, On 
yesterday I was trying to sing, 

' What's this that steals, that steals upon my frame? 

Is it death ? is it death ? 
That soon will quench, will quench this vital flame ? 
Is it death ? is it death ? 
If this he death, I soon shall he 
From every pain and sorrow free ; 
I shall the King of glory see: 
Ml is well, all is wdl* 

I wish I could sing it now; brother Graddis, will 
you not sing it for me?" I told her I could not. but 



SECOND QUARTERLY MEETING- 457 

requested some young ladies to do it, who were in the 
room at the time. While they sung this touching and 
beautiful song, the glory of Grod filled the dying chamber, 
and 

" The unrobing spirit cast 
Diviner glories to the last." 

Her happy death and the funeral services which took 
place on that day I have no doubt were sanctified to the 
good of hundreds. 



CHAPTER LXXI. 

WATCH-NIGHT AND SECOND QUARTERLY 
MEETING. 

All the meetings during the subsequent week were of i 
an interesting character. We held a watch-night meet- 
ing, which was productive of lasting good to many souls. 
Immediately on the ushering in of the new year I opened 
the doors of the Church for the reception of persons on 
trial, and received the application of six very promising 
converts. The next day, at two o'clock, P. M., our second 
quarterly meeting commenced, with an appropriate and 
encouraging sermon by our beloved presiding elder. Rev 
M. Marlay, who had preceded me in this station. As the 
evening approached I felt I had a message from God'' 
;d the people of my charge, as preparatory to the "bat- 
tle." I had no "res< in sj)irW till I concluded to deliver 
it, although feeble in body. I never felt God so near, or 
such an awful weight of responsibility resting on my soul, 
as I did that night. I spoke from these words: "Al- 
ways abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye 
know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor. 
sv, 58. I pursued the following practical method : 

39 



458 



FOOT-PRINTS OP AN ITINERANT. 



I. The work or the Lord. What is it ? 

1. To helieve on Jesus Christ. Then said certain 
J ews, What shall we do that we might work the works of 
God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the 
work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." 
John vi; 29. " To him that worketh not, but helieveth on 
him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for 
righteousness." Eomans iv, 5. How plain and easy the 
way of life ! 

2. To cultivate personal piety. Here is work for us all. 
Grow in grace" daily. In this work we are to '^abound 

more and more." 1 Thess. iv. "Follow peace with all 
men and holiness," etc. 

3. To labor to bring others to Christ. "And when the 
men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out 
into all the country round about, and brought unto him 
all that were diseased; and besought him that they might 
only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as 
touched were made perfectly whole." Matt, xiv, 35, 36. 
During this meeting let us go and do likewise. All may 
become " co-workers with God." 

11. Seasons why we should "always abound," etc 

1. We belong to God. 

2. We have been purchased by Jesus Christ. 

3. It is the surest way to be happy. The angels do his 
will, and are happy. "Abounding in the work of God" 
here will make earth resemble heaven. 

4. We live in a peculiar and deeply-interesting age. 
The world is a great "battle-field" — the armies are in 
motion — a mighty struggle is now going on between vice 
and virtue — Christ and antichrist — light and darkness, 
etc. Our facilities for the accomplishment of good are a 
thousand fold greater than in the days of our fathers. 
"Say not there are yet four months, and then cometh 
harvest. Lift up your eyes and look upon the fields." 



SECOND QUARTERLY MEETING. 459 

'^Why stand ye here all the day idle? Gro ye also into 

the vineyard/' 

" See on the mountain-top 
The standard of your God ; 
In Jesus' name I lift it up, 
All stained with hallow'd blood." 

0. Much of the time for labor with many is past 
already. Alas for some of the aged who hear me to- 
inght ! Their sun spreads its feeble beamS; and is plung- 
ing down the horizon. ^'The day is far spent." You 
have not long to "abound in this work.'' 

*' The lengthening shadows o'er the mead 
Proclaim the close of day." 

6. Time to come is short and uncertain with us all. 
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy 
might." What you do for the conversion of the world, 
your relatives and friends, must be done quickly. In the 
eloquent language of a New Zealand chief, " Make haste • 
the sun is fast going down, for whom you have to work." 

7. The "recompense of the reward" is sure, "foras- 
much as ye know that your labor is not in vain." The 
Gospel sends no man to war without the promise, " Lo, I 
am with you," etc. But we must all "labor in the Lord." 

At the close of my discourse brother Meharry exhorted, 
and a number came forward for prayers. The love-feast 
in the morning was a time of refreshing. At eleven 
o'clock brother Marlay occupied the pulpit, and gave us 
one of his most effective sermons. At night Rev. Alex- 
ander Meharry preached a most appropriate, eloquent, and 
awakening sermon from, " Whatsoever thy hand findeth 
to do, do it with thy might." The altar was filled with 
penitents, and two experienced a change of heart. Up 
to the fifth day of January, twenty persons had joined on 
trial, and more than that number were converted to God. 
On Sunday, the ninth of January, I tried to preach again 
from these words: I will sing of mercy" Ps. ci, 1 



460 



rOOT-PRlNTS or AN ITINERANT. 



At the close of tlie labors of this Sabbatli we bad enrolled 
sevent2/-Jive. During the next week Rev. William H, 
Lawder came to onr help, and brother Mebarry returned 
to give us another '^strong pull/' Brother Callender also 
joined our battle-cry " on Saturday night. The next 
morning we held another love-feast. It was a time of 
power and glory, such as I never before witnessed 
Twenty joined, and more than a score testified" that 
God had pardoned all their sins during the past week. 
At the close of this day, January sixteenth, one hundred 
and ninety were added to the fold. The next day brother 
Meharry was violently attacked with pneumonia, and con- 
tinued quite ill for some time, but brothers Lawder and 
Callender still remained to assist us. The next Sabbath, 
January twenty- third, I preached in the morning on the 
delay of conversion," and my colleague preached at 
nighi. Sixty mourners pressed to the altar for prayer, 
many of whom were soundly converted that evening. On 
Monday night I preached from Isaiah xlv, 19, '^I said not 
unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain/' and 
on Wednesday I preached with great liberty from, Why 
should the work cease?'' Neh. vi, 3. The next day the 
work spread wider, and we were compelled to hold two 
meetings each day. Total number of accessions at the 
close of this week, two hundred and ninety. The next 
Sabbath morning I preached to one of the largest congre- 
gations ever assembled in Piqua. The work increased in 
"power" every day, and I have no doubt many more 
found peace in believing than the number that joined our 
Church. People flocked in from every point of the com- 
pass, some a distance of ten and fifteen miles, and many 
of whom returned home to their friends to "show what 
great things the Lord had done for them," and how he 
had compassion on them. The work now took hold of all 
classes — the high and low, rich and poor, the moralist 



REVIVAL INCIDENTS. 



461 



and the most profligate. At night our large church was 
crowded so full that I adopted the following method of 
calling up the seekers of religion. At the close of the 
sermon^ before we rose up to sing, while the congregation 
was quietly seated and the aisles unobstructed, I arranged 
the altar. I had a number of the front seats vacated, and 
then invited the mourners to approach the place thus pre- 
pared for their reception. 0, how it thrilled my heart 
with joy to see them coming down from the galleries by 
scores and kneeling at God's altar, till every seat would 
be crowded full ! At times upward of one hundred would 
approach in this way. I would then invite all who desired 
an interest in the prayers of the people of God, but could 
not reach the altar because of the thronged multitude,^' 
to stand up just where they were, and let all see that they 
were determined also to be ^^on the Lord^s side.'' Very 
many would simultaneously rise to their feet. We would 
then commence the prayer meeting for all who were 
''seeking Jesus." Up to the close of the first month in 
1853, the total number added to our Church was over 
three hundred precious souls, and more than that number 
had found peace with God. . 



CHAPTEK LXXII. 

REVIVAL INCIDENTS — A LOVELY SCENE. 

Many deeply-interesting and thrilling scenes occurred 
during the progress of this revival. I could collect ma- 
terials enough for a small volume, that would be read 
with interest by the lovers of the Savior. I can only 
find room in my " Foot-Prints for a few. 

A Mr. J. M., who had lived many years without hope 
and without God in the world, attended our meeting, in 



162 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



company with some of his jolly companions. A noble- 
hearted woman of his acquaintance approached him, and 
invited him to the altar. He told her that, if spared till 
the next evening, he would cheerfully comply with her 
request. Faithful to his promise, he was present at an 
early hour; and when the mourners were invited, Mr. M. 
was soon found among them at the altar of prayer. He 
was soundly converted, and joined the Church. Many 
prophesied that, in "time of temptation, he would not 
endure;" but he was thoroughly '^turned into another 
man," and continued steadfast unto the end. He died 
of consumption, in the following year, in the full assur- 
ance of faith. A sinner saved by grace ! Halleluiah ! 

A lady, in speaking of the happy change in the fam- 
ily circle since her conversion, remarked, "Every thing 
in our little house appears singularly changed — even the 
fire burns more brightly, and the candle gives a clearer 
light. Truly, my brethren and sisters, all things have be- 
come new 

On one occasion I was politely requested to open the 
doors of the Church before the sermon. I was also re* 
quested to sing the following beautiful and very appro, 
priate hymn, found on the 479th page of our excellent 
hymn-book : 

"Let worldly minds the world pursue; • 
It has no charms for me : 
Once I admired its trifles too, 
But grace hath set me free. 

Its pleasures can no longer please, 

Nor happiness afford : 
Far from my heart be joys like these, 

Now I have seen the Lord. 

As by the light of opening day 

The stars are all conceal'd, 
So earthly pleasures fade away, 

When Jesus is reveal'd. 



REVIVAL INCIDENTS. 



463 



Creatures no more divide my choice ; 

I bid them all depart : 
His name, his love, his gracious voice, 

Have fixed my roving heart." 

The house was crowded to its utmost capacity, and a 
deep and solemn sense of the presence and power of 
God rested upon the congregation. The ^'sighing of 
the prisoner" was heard in different parts of the assem- 
bly; the ministers of the sanctuary were at their post ; 
and the soldiers of Jesus were standing in their '^places 
round about the camp/' fully harnessed for the "battle 
of the Lord." 

During the singing of this hymn, a venerable servant 
of Grod approached the altar, leaning upon the arm of a 
devotedly-pious wife. They had three daughters, the 
eldest of whom was married, and had connected herself 
with the people of Grod. About a year previous I had 
taken the youngest daughter into the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church; but, up to this period, the second daughter 
had not made a profession of religion. During the re- 
vival she had fully made up her mind to consecrate 
herself, soul and body, a living sacrifice on the altar of 
her Grod. She requested her dear parents and sister to 
accompany her to the altar. It was a lovely sight — one 
that time will never efface from my memory. At the 
close of the hymn I went down into the altar, to take 
her hand, in token of her desire to unite with the 
Church. Her serene countenance, tearful eye, firm re- 
solve, and subdued manner, all seemed to say, 

Not in mine innocence I trust, 

I bow before thee in the dust ; 
But in my Savior's blood alone, 

I look for mercy at thy throne." 

Happy children ! and thrice happy parents ! " Then Pe- 
ter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized, every one 



464 rooT -PRINTS of an itinerani*. 

of yoU; in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of 
sinS; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 
For the promise is unto you and your children^ and all 
that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our Grod shall 
call." Acts ii, 38, 39. As I looked upon these happy 
parents and their offspring, I prayed that they might 
finally thus stand together, before his throne on high, 
a family all saved by grace, and receive the plaudit of 
Well done 1" and enter together into the joy of their 
Lord. 

I see, from my pocket diary, that, up to the third day 
of February, I had received on trial three hundred omd 
eighty. On Sunday, the sixth, I baptized fifty adult per- 
sons. On the seventh brother Meharry was so far recov- 
ered as to preach for us once more. The next Friday he 
left us for Dayton. He will long be remembered by 
many in Piqua for his indefatigable exertions during 
that revival. Sunday, February 13th, we had a sacra- 
mental meeting, at which four hundred and nineteen 
persons communicated, many of them for the fo^st time. 
On Monday evening we had a most deeply-interesting 

speaking meeting.'^ The new converts spoke of their 
conversion with much clearness and great power. The 
entire body of the Church felt the quickening influence 
of this most gracious visitation; old and young were 
fully harnessed for the battle ; and, in the midst of the 
greatest excitement among sinners, I witnessed little or 
no extravagance among the disciples,'^ although many 
of them were '^filled with the Spirit.'' Those who la- 
bored at the altar seemed to be divinely sustained, and 
guided by " the pillar of cloud and smoke by day, and 
the shining of a flame of fire by night;" ^^for on all the 
glory there was defense." 

I have not known, in all my travels, as many efficient 
laborers in time of a revival as I found in the Piqua &ta- 



i 



REVIVAL INCIDENTS. 



466 



tion. I never think of that precious season without 
offering a prayer for all who assisted me on that occasion, 
especially those noble women of G-od, who labored with 
me in the Gospel, and " with others of my fellow-laborers, 
whose names are in the book of life." May Heaven's 
best blessing rest on those devoted women and their fam- 
ilies ! They have always been the right arm of Meth- 
odism in this beautiful valley. 

On Tuesday evening, February 15th, we had a meeting 
of a peculiar character. It consisted of the ministers, 
the official body, and those only who had united with the 
Church during the progress of the revival. Although 
the night was dark and stormy, over three hundred of 
the young converts were present. It was a memorable 
season — one that will never be forgotten, by some of us, 
while endless ages are onward rolling. I wept for joy — 
the Lord filled my soul with gladness. I remarked, at 
the time, that if all the old members of the station had 
been recently translated," they would not have been 
missed so far as numbers were concerned. 



CHAPTER LXXIII. 

REVIVAL INCIDENTS — CONTINUED. 

I CLOSED the protracted meeting on Sunday night, 
February 20, 1853, and commenced the difficult task of 
regulating the classes. On the following Sabbath I 
preached the funeral sermon of brother Stephen Statler, 
who had died in great peace. With the first week in 
March my health grew much worse, yet I continued to 
preach once or twice every week, beside attending to the 
business matters of the Church. At the time of our 
third quarterly meeting, in April, I was persuaded that 



466 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

I must soon cease my labors. I rested for a time, but 
experienced no relief. 

On tbe first of May tbe new Wayne-Street Methodist 
Episcopal Churcb was dedicated to God by an eloquent 
and appropriate sermon from Rev. Jobn T. Mitcliell, of 
Urbana. At tbe close of tbe sermon I succeeded in 
raising a subscription and collection of over six liundred 
dollars, tbe sum requisite to free tbe society from all in- 
debtedness for tbe lot and for tbe erection of tbe new 
cburcb edifice. On tbe following Sabbatb I had tbe 
pleasure of preaching in the new chapel, in the morning, 
from 2 Chron. xiv, 7 : They built and prospered " — 
and at night in the old church, from Psalm xxix, 11 : 
^' The Lord will give strength unto his people ; he will 
bless his people with peace." It was an hour of holy 
communion with God never to be forgotten. I have not 
been able to preach since. 

In June I visited the city of New York, and had an 
operation performed on my throat by Dr. Green, who has 
much celebrity for curing throat-diseases. The weather 
at that time was oppressively warm. I left the city, and 
went with my family to the "Weselhoeft TTater-cure es- 
tablishment, at Brattleboro, in the state of Vermont, 
where I found the water-treatment highly beneficial. I 
returned home in September, and attended conference at 
Hillsboro. At this conference I was obliged to say to 
my fellow-laborers, I am no longer able to stand with 
you on the battle-field. The want of physical ability 
compels me to retire from the responsible duties of an 
itinerant preacher. It is a bard trial, but the grace of 
God will enable me to bear it cheerfully, with a sweet 
submission to his Divine will. You have all been kind 
to me; let me still share in your prayers. In my lonely 
retreat I shall still cherish for you all a brotherly afi"ec- 
tion, and pray God to give you increasing success in your 



REVIVAL INCIDENTS. 



467 



labors/' They kindly granted me a superannuated rela- 
tion, and I returned to Piqua, to pack up our household 
furniture, preparatory to our removal, in the latter part 
of October. I shall never forget the feelings with which 
I wrote the following letter : 

Eev. Charles Elliott, D. D., — It would be a fruit- 
less task to attempt an analysis of the peculiar emotion 
with which I have often repeated the following words : 

My last charge I" 0, what painful and pleasant asso- 
ciations stard connected with this phrase in the mind of 
a Methodist minister ! How frequently, in the stillness 
of the night, in hours of seclusion, does he repeat those 
expressive words, " My last charge 1" 0, what sad and 
joyous memories cluster around them! Perhaps no one 
lives so much in the past as an itinerant minister — one 
especially who has formed an extensive acquaintance on 
circuits and stations. This I know is true in regard to 
myself, especially when, by afSiction, I have been tempo- 
rarily laid aside from the active discharge of my profes- 
sion. The session of our annual conference is now over; 
my dear brethren in the ministry have been assigned to 
their respective fields of ministerial toil ; and while I sit 
here and write, most of them are in their annual transi- 
tion state. The Lord bless them and grant them a cor- 
dial welcome in their new homes ! 

My goods are now all packed, and will soon be removed 
to a warehouse, to make room for my successor. I hope 
you will not deem it unmanly when I tell you that I have 
made several unsuccessful efi'orts to pack my library books 
and sermons. My fortitude was unequal to the task. 1 
had often removed them before, but now a strange feeling 
came over me ; I wept like a child. For the first time 1 
began to realize that my appointment '^ was not to the 
active field of labor, but to "suffer affliction with the 
people of God" in some place of retirement. 0; how 



468 FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

consoling, in such an hour of trial, this glorious promise, 
My grace is sufficient for thee I" Thanks be to Grod I 
I found it even so, and I resumed my work with a cheer- 
ful heart. Our future home is to be in the city of Day- 
ton. But where have I wandered ? I intended to write 
many things about my last charge," in Piqua city. 0, 
I will never, never forget it ! I will often look back to 
it as the scene of my sufferings and triumph. Here 
God has been pleased to crown my feeble labors with 
more abundant success than in any other place. I feel 
that I have already a ^'rich recompense'' in the affections 
of those with whom I have labored and been instru- 
mental in turning to God. I must now bid adieu to a 
noble and generous-hearted people — Methodists of the 
Wesleyan school, who seem to rejoice, most of all, that 
their names are written in heaven." 

I must now close this letter, and turn the keys, for the 
last time, in the parsonage front door. Surely, I will love 
God more, because of his goodness to my family in this 
city. The recollection of the kindness of the Church 
wherever I have labored, and especially of my brethren 
in the ministry of the old Ohio and Cincinnati confer- 
ences, deeply affects my poor heart at this solemn mo- 
ment. In my lonely hours will they remember me still, 
and pray fervently that I may be restored to the itinerant 
ranks ? but if not, that I may even be enabled to culti- 
vate a cheerful submission to the will of my heavenly 
Father? ^^for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." 
Amen. Glory to J esus Christ ! 

Ever yours, fraternally, Maxwell P. Gaddis. 
Parsonage, Piqua city, October 25, 1853 



CITY OF PIQUA. 



469 



CHAPTEK LXXIY. 

CITY OF PIQUA. ^ 

The city of Piqua is delightfully situated on tlie bank 
of the Miami river, in Miami county. The site of the 
town is a level eminence encircled by woodland scenery, 
having the Miami river washing its northern and east- 
ern boundaries. The city was laid out in April, 1807, 
by Messrs. John Manning and Armstrong Brandon, un- 
der the name of Washington, which it retained for 
many years. The word ^^Piqua'' is the name of one of 
the Shawanese tribe, who formerly inhabited this coun- 
try, and signifies man formed out of the ashes." 
The tradition is that the whole Shawanese tribe a long 
time ago were assembled at their annual feast and 
thanksgiving. They were all seated around a large fire, 
which, having burned down, a great puffing was observed 
among the ashes, when, behold, a full-formed man came 
up out of the coals and ashes, and this was the first man 
of the Piqua tribe. After the peace of 1763 the Miamis, 
having removed from the Big Miami river, a body of 
Shawanese established themselves at Upper Piqua, which 
became their great headquarters. Here they remained 
till driven off by the Kentuckians, when they crossed 
over to St. Marys and Waupaukonnetta. The Upper 
Piqua is said to have contained at one time nearly four 
thousand Shawanese. 

The plat of the town of Piqua contains an area of 
upward of a mile square. On the opposite side of the 
river, and connected with it by substantial bridges, are 
the villages of Bossville and Huntersville. 

Methodism was introduced into this section of coun- 
try at an early period. The first class was organized at 



470 



rOOT-PRIXTS OF AN ITIXERAXT. 



the house of Casper Hendersliot in the year 1807, and 
consisted of the following persons: David Clarke, leader; 
Matthias Scudder, Sarah Scudder, Casper Hendershot, 
Charity Hendershot, John Hendershot, Isaac Hender- 
shot, James Scudder, Mary Scudder, Sarah Scudder, 
« Mrs. David Hendershot, Elizabeth Hendershot, Isaac 
Clarke, Lydia Clarke, Sarah Clarke, Susan Winans. 

Brother James Scudder settled here in 1806, and suc^ 
ceeded brother Clarke as leader. A few years afterward 
a log meeting-house, which was also used for school 
purposes, was erected at Upper Piqua. This preaching 
place was denominated the ''north-western appointment;" 
and Lebanon, in TTarren county, the "south-western 
appointment." For a long time the nearest appointment 
was at Mr. Eector^s, a few miles from the town of Ur- 
bana. A blazed path through the forest was the only 
road connecting the first preaching-places throughout 
all this region of country. 

In the spring of 1818 Eev. John P. Finley settled in 
the town of Piqua. During that summer a little class 
was organized at his house, called the '-widow's class.'' 
It consisted of five or six persons. 3Irs. Mary 3Iitchell, 
wife of Daniel Mitchell, Esq., is the only person now liv- 
ing in Piqua of the number that composed that little band. 
For several years there had been no regular preach- 
ing in the winter season at Upper Piqua, during which 
time the class met on Thursday, and then held a prayer 
meeting on Sunday at eleven o'clock, A. M. Brother 
James Scudder met both classes occasionally. 

The following interesting letter from Colonel William 
M'Lean, of precious memory, will show the numbers in 
society at Piqua in 1820 : 

•'Piqua, Sunday morning, September 3, 1820. 

''Dear Daniel, — You perceive, from the date of my 
letter, that in person I am separated fifty or more miles 



CITY OF PIQUA. 



471 



from my native home; but from the time I first awoke 
this morning till now my heart has been in Lebanon, 
with my brethren in the class-room, and especially those 
with whom I used to meet, converse, and pray. I have 
just returned from a lonely walk in the Miami grove, and 
while thus amusing myself I resolved that I would re- 
turn to my ojQ&ce and disburden my mind by communi- 
cating my feelings to my friends. And while I am now 
writing — in idea — I see and hear you and your little 
charge administering consolation and encouragement to 
each other. I think I have a mind which was formed 
for society, friendship, and unrestrained intercourse with 
friends; deprive me of this, and I am robbed of one of 
my chiefest joys. that I had in Piqua a Foglesong, 
Harnsberger, Nixon, Reeves, or one out of many others I 
could name in Lebanon, to whom I could have free 
access ! it would be to me a relief, indeed. But why do I 
murmur? for I know I have a Friend here that sticketh 
closer than any brother. I will be content. I will 
strive to live at the feet of Jesus; and, while my name 
shall be known among mortals on earth, it shall be identi- 
fied with the despised followers of the despised Nazarene. 

''I have already heard the melancholy intelligence 
of the death of two of our most worthy female friends 
in your town. I am anxious to know the manner of 
their departure, although I have no doubt they have 
been taken from the Church militant to the Church 
triumphant. Tell father Frazier to remember an af- 
flicted Job, and be satisfied to bear and endure all things. 
His companion is an heir of glory, and has now ob- 
tained possession of her inheritance; and, as I have 
often told him, he has passed the meridian of his con- 
flicts, and if faithful will soon, with her, be forever at 
rest In the death of mother Frazier not only her 
family but the Church have truly sustained a loss; but 



472 roOT-PRiNTS of an itinerant. 

that is her gain. Tell brotlier and sister Skinner I often 
think of them, and love them as well as ever, and pray 
that they may endure nnto the end. I feel like I 
wanted to call the names of all our old class, but must 
desist; I have almost filled my paper, and shall weary your 
patience. 

^'I am as well pleased with Piqua as I expected. On 
last Sabbath I heard brother John Finley preach two 
most excellent sermons, one in town and the other three 
miles out in the country. On Friday I met with the 
little few — -fifteen in number — in class. We had a good 
meeting, and I hope God will give us more grace, that 
we may win more to Christ in this part of his vineyard. 
Brother Finley preaches in town this day at eleven 
o'clock, which has now almost arrived. 

^'Our little Sarah has been much afflicted since our 
arrival, but she is now on the recovery. My Sarah with 
me casts a wishful eye toward Lebanon occasionally, but 
she appears resigned to her fate. My respects to your 
mother, and sisters, and Yincet, and all who may in- 
quire. Write me soon and give me particulars. T in- 
tend shortly to write to many of my friends in your 
region, whether they write to me or not. 

"Yours, truly, forever, William M'Lean. 

''D. M. Mitchell, Esq." 

In 1832 brother M'Lean was elected to Congress. 
The following letter will reveal his determination to lead 

a holy life : 

" WASHUfGTOK City, Sunday nigiit, November 30, 1823. 

•'My Dear Brother Mitchell, — I am now seated in 
my room at my brother's in G-eorgetown; the family have 
retired to rest. My mind is at Piqua; and believe me 
sincere when I say, would to Grod my body was there also ! 
This day and on this evening I have been to a Methodist 
meeting, and heard two good sermons delivered by a 



CITY OF PIQUA 



473 



brother M'Can. Frequently while in the church I fan- 
cied myself in the old seminary at Piqua. The Meth- 
odists here are not so plain as in Ohio, but appear to be 
devoted, and I have no doubt I shall love them. 

There are now in the city more than two hundred 
members of Congress, and on to-morrow I presume the 
greater part of the balance will arrive. Yesterday I 
waited on the President; and, although I felt somewhat 
embarrassed on entering his room, yet in a very few 
minutes I found myself perfectly easy in his presence. 
He is plain, pleasant, and remarkably friendly. I have 
become acquainted with some of the heads of Department, 
and many of the members of Congress from different parts 
of the Union. The city presents a bustle sufficient to 
confuse the mind of a homesick backwoodsman. George- 
town is a pleasant place, and is very nearly as large as 
Cincinnati. Washington is a delightfiil situation. My 
brother John has a spacious residence, and had I my 
dear wife and children here I could spend a pleasant 
winter. But 0, my soul, when I look forward and reflect 
that my stay is but just commenced, I know not how to 
endure it. As yet I have not heard a word from home 
since I left it; I hope they are all well and in health. I 
will endeavor not to distrust a good and merciful Provi- 
dence. x\lthough my heart is 'deceitful and despe- 
rately wicked,' yet I sometimes feel that I have access 
to a throne of grace ; there, by the grace of God, I am 
resolved oft to be found. I humbly trust that I shall 
be kept from the ten thousand evils and dangers to 
which I am so much exposed. Will you help me by 
your prayers ? How often this day have I thouglit of 
my friends in Piqua! Remember me affectionately to 
sister Mitchell, your mother, and all my friends. May 
God bless you and yours ! Farewell. 

"William M'Lean." 

40 



471 FOOT-PRI^-TS OF AX ITINERANT. 

I have now lying before me the original subseriptioTi 
paper, dated October 15; 1822 — with the names of all 
the donors — to the first Methodist Episcopal church in 
the town of Piqua. The late Colonel William M'Lean 
contributed fifty dollars, the largest amount given by 
any individual. The document is in the handwriting 
of John Widney, Esq., who also contributed the sum of 
forty dollars. From the appearance of this subscrip- 
tion, it must have been signed by a large portion of the 
citizens and many in the neighborhood. Some of the 
families are still living who resided here at that time — 
Hendershot, Scudder, Johnston, Mitchell, Kitchen, 
Cheever, Scott, Defries, Keyt, Caldwell, Dills, and Wid- 
ney, etc. A lot was purchased of Mr. Elias Rosel for 
the sum of thirty dollars, lying on Spring-street, east 
of the canal; the deed bears date of July 12, 1823, On 
this lot a good substantial brick edifice was erected, forty 
feet long by thirty-six feet wide. The brick work was 
put up by John P. Davis as contractor, and the car- 
penter work executed by John Keyt. The house was 
finished June 12, 1824. The entire cost of the lot 
and church edifice was seven hundred dollars. By an 
old class paper, now in the possession of John Chee- 
ver, I think there must have been between fifty and 
sixty members at that time. Brother Cheever was 
leader of the third class at that period. Bev. John 
A. Baughman and Rev. George W. 31aley were the 
preachers on this circuit at that time. What hallowed 
associations cluster around the first Methodist Epis- 
copal Church in Piqua! Here a Collins, a Quinn, a 
Raper, a Bigelow, a Sale, a Strange, a Finley, a Christie, 
and many more dearly-beloved ministers proclaimed the 
Gospel of peace. The society continued to occupy the 
old brick for a long time, but finally resolved to erect a 
more spacious biiilding on the other side of the canal 



CITY OF PIQU A. 



475 



A. beautiful lot was purchased for tlie sum of four hun- 
dred dollars, of Robert Young, Esq., on the corner of 
Green and Wayne streets. The board of trustees held a 
preliminary meeting, December 29, 1834, and opened a 
subscription for the new edifice. The old house was dis- 
posed of for the sum of one thousand dollars. The new 
church was completed in the fall of 1837, and dedicated 
to Grod by Rev. William H. Raper. 

The following address was written by sister Mitchell 
when very young, who still survives, and is the oldest 
member in Piqua : 

'^TO ALL MY BELOVED SISTERS IN THE LORD ON MlAMI 
CIRCUIT : 

^^Will you bear with my weakness while I address 
you ? Having the cause of my Master and the prosperity 
of the Redeemer's kingdom at heart as well as myself, I 
know you will pardon my imperfect manner while I try 
to stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance. 
The subject which lays so heavy on my heart is the 
^support' of our spiritual teachers. It grieves my 
heart to see them traveling through frosts, and snow, 
and rain, and mud — sometimes with a poor horse and 
indifferent clothing, all of which have been worn out 
in preaching the Gospel. When I think on these things 
I can not sleep at night. 0, my dear sisters, let us think 
of the comforts that we enjoy. We have our dear com- 
panions with us to provide for our wants, and to cherish 
and soothe us in the dark hours of affliction. But let 
us not forget the wives of our spiritual guides; they have 
none of these comforts. Let us not withhold our little 
^mite' to help those dear ministers and their families, 
who are destitute of many earthly comforts that we 
enjoy. Some of our ministers have left behind tender 
wives and helpless little children, and torn away from 
the fond embrace of aged and loving parents for cmr 



476' FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

good. They have 'forsaken all' to minister to our 
sjpiritual wants. When I think of their deprivations 1 
can not refrain from weeping as I write. Ought we not, 
then, to deprive ourselves of some little superfluity, or 
even some things that we may call the ' necessaries of 
life/ but in the sight of Grod are not really so? shall 
we not divide our temporal substance with those men 
of God who are laboring day and night for our spiritual 
welfare? It is right that we should. In fancy I hear 
you all respond, * We ivillT I will say, then, as one of 
old, ^If thy heart be as my heart, give me thy hand.' 
Our blessed Savior in days of old was willing to accept 
the - offerings' of our sex, and I have no doubt he will 
do it again. By giving our ^mite' the Lord will bless 
our basket and store, and bless our souls also, and we 
will hear of glorious times all round the circuit. What 
we do, let us do it quickly. 'The Lord loveth a cheer- 
ful giver.' let us all examine ourselves and see if the 
Lord has not some work for us to do, although we are 
the ' weaker vessels.' Let us act well our part, and be 
mothers and sisters for those servants of God — some of 
whom we are likely to lose for the want of a support 
for their suffering; families. Do not think I wish to 
dictate — I write to stimulate myself as well as you. Do 
not think I am surrounded with wealth. no, my poor 
hand now trembles with fatigue from hard labor, which I 
find necessary to procure us a living in this world. On 
last New-Year's morning I determined to be more faith- 
ful to my Lord and Master." 

"Neighboehood of Tkoy, State of Ohio, Maxch 11, 1812. 

''Dear Brother, — Perhaps you will think it strange 
that, unsolicited, you should be troubled with ^ letter 
from an almost stranger, who, notwithstanding his small 
acquaintance, recollects to have solicited a continuance 



MOSES grume's letter. 477 

of it by a future correspondence, and thinks lie obtained 
a conditional promise. You will, perhaps, recollect see- 
ing me, in company with brother Sale, at brother Ezekiel 
Hall's, Cincinnati, when you first arrived there, and at 
the White Water quarterly meeting, from which you came 
home with me. I have heard of you but a few times 
since. However, as I still travel, it is my lot this year to 
travel among your connections, which has brought you 
fresh to my mind; and, considering your peculiar circum- 
stances, I felt like it would be duty to make this commu- 
nication. We are blessed with many great and high 
privileges, and ought to know how to feel for you who are 
destitute of the Gospel privileges, except reading the 
Scriptures and prayer. But you have this one consolation, 
the throne of grace is as near to Fort Wayne as to any 
other place in this world, and the merciful ear of the 
Almighty is as open to prayer from that fortification as 
from a temple or meeting-house, and the omnipresent 
Spirit of God is as ready to help your infirmities, and to 
assist you in repelling the fiery darts of the devil, and 
the hard and unrighteous speeches of cruel and ungodly 
men, together with all the allurements of the world and 
the flesh — that God who knows how to deliver the godly 
out of temptation, can as easy keep you from falling 
among savage men and among soldiers, perhaps rendered 
more wicked by refinement, as if you were blessed with 
all the privileges of civil and religious society; but your 
happiness must be greatly curtailed among the former. 

" Perhaps it will be a great satisfaction to you to hear 
that the Lord is pouring out his Spirit in a wonderful 
manner among us in this part of the world. In all the 
circuits I am acquainted with there is a mighty stir, and 
a great ingathering of souh. Frequently as high as fif- 
teen or twenty join in a day, many of whom were recently 
happily and, we trust, soundly converted to God We 



478 FOOT - PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Hope this is a work that will not cease to prosper as long 
as the sun and moon endure. 

Being prevented by high water from pursuing my 
appointments, I have been favored with the privilege of 
visiting some of your connections, with whom I have been 
most agreeably entertained, and much delighted to see 
them so sincerely engaged in religion. Tour mother does 
not cease to pour out her soul in prayer for your welfare. 
Your sister-in-law — the late agent's wife, who has lately 
joined the society — seems earnestly engaged for her sal- 
vation, and I believe and humbly hope is not far from the 
kingdom of heaven. The young woman also, who lives 
with them, seems much engaged for the kingdom. I 
spent the last night under the hospitable roof of your 
mother-in-law, and was very much delighted with the 
heavenly-minded old lady and her respectable young 
family, who, I hope, are all desirous to serve God in the 
days of their youth. I suppose you are not unacquainted 
with your mother-in-law's having embarked in the cause of 
Methodism. I believe the Methodists will be a blessing 
in composing the mind and consolidating the union of 
society in this part, although there will be considerable 
opposition. And now, dear brother, I commend you tc 
God and to the word of his grace, beseeching you to be 
incessant in your prayers to God to preserve you and to 
keep you from falling, till he shall bring you again to 
enjoy privileges with his people, and finally to partake of 
his eternal kingdom in heaven, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. 

'^1 am, dear brother, yours, MoSES Crume. 

^'Mr. Stephen Johnston." 

"LoGAJT CouxTY, Kentucky, Au^t 11, 1804. 

^'Mt Dear Friend, — I should be happy to see Col. 
Mitchell and yourself and family, if opportunity and con- 



JAMES M^GREADY's LETTER. 



479 



venience would permit; bnt if I should not have the 
pleasure of an interview with you on earth, I hope to meet 
you in heaven. I think you once had a comfortable hope 
that you were upon the road, and your friend M'Callister 
informs me that you are still pressing on toward your 
heavenly Father's house. It is now eighteen years since 
I felt the love of Jesus in my soul ; and this I could seal 
with my blood, and publish with my dying breath, that 
there is no comfort, no pleasure, nor satisfaction under 
heaven to be compared with that which is to be enjoyed 
in viewing the glory of God in the face of Jesus, feeling 
the pardon of sin and the witness of God's own word and 
Spirit, that I shall spend a blessed eternity with Christ in 
his Father's kingdom. You have come to a country 
where the Lord has been working wonders, where Deists, 
drunkards, Sabbath-breakers, profane swearers, and sin- 
ners of every description, have been changed into humble, 
praying Christians. Eight years ago, when I first came 
to Logan county, there was scarcely the outward, visible 
form of religion in the settlements south of Green river, 
or through all Cumberland. Infidelity, wickedness, and 
dissipation of every kind universally prevailed. But 0, 
what wonders has the Lord done for his Church in this 
western land! The wilderness and the solitary place has 
indeed been made glad. The desert has rejoiced and 
blossomed as the rose. Hundreds, yea, thousands, of 
dead souls have been quickened by the Spirit of Christ 
and raised to newness of life. But perhaps, my dear 
friend, you will be surprised when you see a variety of 
strange things, uncommon bodily exercises and agitations, 
attending this blessed work that has overspread our coun- 
try. These things may indeed appear to you strange and 
wonderful. Perhaps you may feel many fears and scruples 
whether they are right, and sometimes strong prejudices 
rising in your mind against them. This has been the 



480 F T -P R I N T S OF AN ITINERANT. 

case with many of God's cliildren at their first coming to 
the country, and it was my case at the first beginning of 
the work in this country. This falling down^ loud out- 
cries, loud shouting, dancing, laughing, etc., struck me 
with wonder, and filled me with awful fears lest it might 
not be the work of God; at the same time I was con- 
strained to conceal my fears lest these things might be 
of God, and I should oppose them. "Under such difficul- 
ties I labored many months till it pleased the Lord to 
give me clearer light upon them. 

"Permit me, my friend, to make a few observations 
which I have learned from my own experience. In the 
first place, we are apt to condemn every thing that we nor 
our fathers never saw before. We are apt to regulate the 
work of God by the opinions of our parents or our old 
ministers where we formerly lived, or the practice of the 
good people where we were raised. Any thing beyond 
this, we are apt to think, is wrong ; but let us fear and 
tremble, and with the deepest humility remember that 
the Almighty Jehovah is a sovereign. He chooses his 
own mode of operations and works in his own way. Let 
us, with joy and gratitude, bid him welcome to his 
Church, welcome to our families, and welcome to our 
hearts, though he should fill our souls so full of his love 
that we should dance like David before the ark of God, 
or clap our hands and shout with the voice of triumph as 
in Psalm xlvii, 1, or like the daughter of Zion when the 
Holy One of Israel was in the midst of her. Isaiah xii, 
6. Yea, let us bid the blessed Jesus welcome, though 
he should give us such large draughts of his heavenly 
love that, like old Abraham, we should be constrained to 
laugh — Genesis xvii, 17 — or, though our mouth should 
be filled with laughter and our tongues with singing, like 
the ransomed Church in the 126th Psalm. 

Another observation I would make is, we are prone to 



JAMES m'gREADY's LETTER. 481 

call things that are new and uncommon to us in religion, 
delusion and enthusiasm. But let us consider there is 
no delusion in bodily exercise or in bodily agitations; 
there is neither delusion, nor yet religion, in falling 
down, nor in loud outcries, nor in skipping about, nor in 
shouting aloud, nor in laughing, nor jerking, etc.; yet ail 
these things may be the elFects of inexpressible joy and 
comfort, such as the people of God often experience when 
they get near to God, when they feel the loA^e of Jesus, 
and read their title sure to immortal glory and blessed- 
ness. Neither delusion nor enthusiasm had their seat in 
-he body, but in the mind. Delusion and enthusiasm are 
disorder? of the mind. When, therefore, we would judge 
whether a man's exercise is Scriptural and right, or 
whether it is delusion, we are not to judge it from any un- 
common agitation of his body, but we are to examine by 
the word of God what his views of God, of Christ, of sin, 
of holiness, of the Scriptures, and of the love of God 
are, and what effects are produced in his life and conver- 
sation by them. These are the ways of judging true re- 
ligion, and of judging delusion and enthusiasm, and not 
by bodily exercise. But the question may arise, of what 
use are these strange and uncommon appearances? Let 
us consider this and the like questions with reverence, 
awe, and deep humility. This I would say : the Lord, for 
wise purposes, has chosen so to work. I would just add a 
remark I heard from the aged, reverend, and pious David 
Kice. think,' said he, ^God answers one purpose by 
these uncommon exercises, which he once answered by 
extraordinary miracles. The design of miracles,' said 
he, ^was twofold. 1. To demonstrate the divinity of the 
Gospel. 2. To arouse the attention of a stupid world, 
that while mankind crowded in multitudes together to 
see strange and wonderful things, the Lord reached theii 
hor.rts with the convincing and converting power and en- 
41 



482 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 



ergy of his Spirit. So/ he added, ^this last purpog"3 is 
answered by these uncommon appearances. The atten- 
tion of a giddy, unthinking world is aroused; they go out 
in multitudes to see strange and wonderful things. By 
this means they are brought in the way of the means, and 
numbers are savingly converted.' 

^^When difficulties of this kind, and strong prejudices, 
crowd upon the minds of Christians, I know by experi- 
ence it kills their exercise, robs them of their comfort, 
and covers their souls with leanness and barrenness. 
Therefore, my friend, do not judge hastily, but carry the 
case to the Lord, by earnest, fervent prayer; be willing 
that the Lord should comfort your soul just in his own 
way. He is a sovereign; do not prescribe to him, nor 
presume to limit his operations. 0, how happy a place 
heaven will be when Christ gets all his blood-bought 
children gathered home to his Father's house, to the 
place which he is now preparing for them ! There no dif- 
ficulties, nor prejudices, nor doubts, nor fears, will ever 
mar their comforts to eternity; yet there they will be the 
subjects of exercises to eternity as strange, as wonderful, 
and as uncommon as any that we see here in the Church 
militant. In Eev. v, 11, 12, the apostle tells us that he 
'heard the voices of many angels around the throne, and 
their number was ten thousand times ten thousand, and 
thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Wor- 
thy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and 
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, 
and blessing.' And in Rev. xix, he tells us that their 
loud songs and halleluiahs were like the ^ voice of many 
waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings.' 

''The reason of my writing to you so particularly was a 
hint from Mr. M'Allister to me, that you felt some diffi- 
culty upon this subject; he touched it in the most tender, 
Ipving, and friendly manner, with every expression of 



GOVERNOR A. T. AND THE THIEF. 483 

regard for you as a relative and a Christian. I write to you 
as a friend, and I trust you will receive every sentence of 
it in Christian friendship. If you have any further scru- 
ples upon the subject, write to me and I will give you 
every satisfaction in my power. Dear sister, pray forme. 
Give my kindest love to my friend. Col. Mitchell. I ad- 
minister the sacrament at Muhlenberg court-house the 
third Sabbath in October. Perhaps Col. Mitchell and 
yourself could attend there. 

^^I am, with respect, yours, etc., 

James M'Gready.'' 

The above unique letter was written by a Presbyterian 
minister, of high standing. I leave my readers to form 
their own opinions about the matters therein discussed. 



CHAPTER LXXV. 

EX-GOV. TRIMBLE AND THE THIEF. 

**I HAVE NOT SEEN THE EIGHTEOUS FOESAKEN, NOK HIS SEED BEaCtiNQ 
BREAD." 

A STRIKING exemplification of this declaration will 
be found in the sequel of this truthful narrative : 

A young gentleman by the name of Cottinger, an em- 
ploye in a large mercantile house, was sent out to Ohio 
to collect accounts for the firm of . He had vis- 
ited his most distant creditors, and on his return stopped 
to tarry for the night at Snow-Hill tavern, between the 
towns of H. and W., some six miles distant from the 
latter. At that early period the country was new, the 
roads very bad, and the only safe and speedy mode of 
traveling was on horseback. Mr. Cottinger, after supper, 
went out to look after his horse. To his surprise, he 



484 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



found that the hostler had retired without cleaning off the 
mud or rubbing down his jaded animal. Knowing that 
he had a long journey before him yet to make, he took 
off his overcoat, hung it upon the stall, and, setting 
down his lantern, commenced currying the horse him- 
self. While engaged in this work, a man by the name 
of H. came out to the stable, and, by the light of the 
lantern, saw the pocket-book of Mr, Cottinger in his 
overcoat, and, stepping into the other stall, he put his 
hand over, and succeeded in extracting the book un- 
observed by its unsuspecting owner. He then walked 
out and concealed it beneath a large haystack, in the 
rear of the stable, after which he returned to the house, 
and retired to bed. When Mr. C. had finished cleaning 
his horse, he put on his overcoat and returned to the 
hotel. Missing the money before retiring, diligent 
search was made about the house and stable for the lost 
pocket-book, but all in vain. Mr. H. was suspicioned 
for committing the theft, but nothing could be proved 
against him. The young man was almost distracted on 
account of the loss of the money, and he tarried for a 
long time in that region of the country, and exerted 
himself to the utmost to ferret out the thief, but with- 
out success. He finally concluded to return to Philadel- 
phia, and make known his sad misfortune to his employ- 
ers. Governor T. told me that before the young man 
reached home, such was his mental agony, that his hair, 
which was jet black, turned as white as wool, a thing 
which sometimes happens when persons are laboring 
under great mental excitement. 

Several years afterward, while the Grovernor was sitting 
in his ofiice, a man by the name of H., who was then 
living on a small farm which belonged to T., called to 
inquire how much he asked per acre for the land The 
Governor, being a man of deep penetration, and a eood 



GOVERNOR A. T. AND THE THIEF. -±85 



judge of human nature^ knowing well that Mr. H. was 
destitute of the means to purchase land; questioned him 
closely as to the way in which he expected to raise the 
money. From his embarrassment and evident confusion, 
the Governor feared that all was not right; and, while 
meditating upon the subject, in an instant the conviction 
flashed upon his mind, "I have no doubt this is the 
man who stole the pocket-book from the unfortunate 
Cottinger at Snow-Hill tavern." However, he kept the 
matter to himself, and made an appointment to go out 
and look at the land with Mr. H., saying to him, "Per- 
haps we can agree upon the price.'^ The Grovernor made 
known his suspicions to Amstedt D., a large, stalwart 
man, who was acting at that time as constable, or deputy 
sheriflf. They made their arrangements to take him pris- 
oner, and then whip him till he should confess his guilt 
and deliver up the money. 

On the day appointed to examine the farm and ^^fix 
wpon a price,'' the Governor and his posse journeyed to- 
gether till they arrived at a dense forest, where Amstedt 
and his men, with their ropes, concealed themselves, and' 
Governor T. passed on to the house alone. Mr. H. sad- 
dled his horse, and rode with the Governor all over the 
woodland, till they arrived at the boundary line on the 
west. Here Mr. H. manifested some uneasiness, and 
told the Governor he had some business in another 
neighborhood, and should go and attend to it before he 
returned to his home again. The Governor continued 
talking about the purchase of his land, and, riding up 
by the side of Mr. H., he instantly grabbed him by the 
throat, and exclaimed, " You infamous scoundrel, you are 
my prisoner! I know you are the very man that stole 
Cottinger' s money F' and then, throwing his foot over the 
bridle-reins of the thief, led him by the neck-collar for 
more than half a mile through the woods, to the place 



486 



rooT-PRiXTs or ax itixeraxt. 



where Amstedt and his men were concealed behind a 
log. Those acquainted with GoTernor T. will not be 
surprised at his heroic conduct in leading a roan by the 
collar through a dense woodland. 

On seeing the prisoner they made him dismount, and 
then bound him hand and foot. They then informed 
him that they intended to /i/nch him in the most terrible 
manner unless he confessed his guilt and produced the 
money. At first he protested that he was an innocent 
man. "But/' said the Grovernor, "where did you pro- 
cure money to purchase my farm ? Every body knows 
that you are a poor man, and too lazy to work. Xow, H., 
you had better tell, or I fear when Amstedt commences 
whipping you with these green switches he will not leave 
ofi" till you are excoriated from neck to heels.'' The 
prisoner, knowing the unrelenting nature of the man 
employed to whip him, concluded to make confession of 
his guilt before he was flayed in such an unmerciful man- 
ner. He then confessed that he had put the bank-bills 
in a hollow tree in front of his house, about eight feet 
from the ground. The Governor succeeded in recovering 
nearly ojie thousand dollars. H. was duly tried and im- 
prisoned at W., in the county jail, to await his trial at 
court. Mr. C, at Philadelphia, was informed of the 
fact, and the money forwarded to him in due time. Gov- 
ernor T. received a letter of thanks not only from Mr. 
Cottinger, but also from the mercantile house that had 
employed him. 

The father of the prisoner was professedly a religious 
man, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He deeply sympathized with his son while in prison, 
and always seemed much affected on parting with him. 
These occasions were always improved by the old gentle- 
man in singing and prayer. At last the jailer allowed 
the old gentleman to remain all night with his appar- 



GOVERNOR A. T. AND THE THIEF. 487 



ently-disconsolate and penitent son. (?) The father made 
the night vocal with his loud prayers and lively songs, 
occasionally interspersed with shouting. The sympathy 
of the whole community was aroused by the conduct of 
this devoted parent and zealous Methodist. (F) The jailer 
went to bed and slept soundly ; but imagine his surprise, 
on going to the jail early in the morning, to find the 
prisoner had made his escape, and in the following novel 
manner : 

His father had succeeded, by his devotional exercises, 
in gaining the confidence of the jailer, who had per- 
mitted Mr. H. to remain without examining his person 
to see if he had any instruments to aid his son in mak- 
ing his escape. But in this he was mistaken; for while 
the old man was singing, praying, and shouting so long 
and loud during the night, his son was engaged in filing 
off the bars of the window-grate in the back part of his 
cell, with files procured by his father for that express 
purpose. What a sad comment upon poor fallen nature! 
The guilty man escaped to parts unknown through the 
strategy of a hypocritical father, who had, evidently. 

Stolen the livery of heav'n 
To serve the devil in." 

The whole family, in the course of a few years, removed 
to the far west, and nothing special was heard from any 
of them. 

While stationed in the city of C, I was making a short 

visit to the house of Rev. , pastor of one of the 

largest Methodist Episcopal Churches in the west. 
While sitting there a messenger called upon my friend 
and pastor of the Church, requesting him to call at No. 
— , on Broadway, below Fifth-street, to see an aged man 
in distress, who was traveling. At his request, I con- 
cluded to accompany him. We were met by an aged 



488 FOOT -PRINT is OF AN ITINERANT. 

and rather venerable-looking man, bowed down under 
the weight of more than ^Hhreescore years and ten." 
He wept as he related his past misfortunes and forlorn 
condition at that time. He said that he had been 
trying to serve God for nearly half a century; he knew 
that he had not been faithful, at times, to his covenant ; 
he was now in want, cast off hy his relatives, and obliged 
to go among strangers, to heg his bread from house to 
house. We gave him a temporary supply, and took our 
departure, promising to see him again the next day. As 
we walked up the street, Doctor T. seemed lost in pro- 
found meditation, and at last he addressed me as follows : 
'^Brother G., I am sorely tempted." "Why so?" I 
asked. He then remarked, ^-'I have been tempted by 
the devil, ever since I left that house, to doubt the truth 
of this promise, ' I have not seen the righteous forsaken^ 
nor his seed begging bread.' I am very sorry I met that 
old Christian man." I then told him it perplexed me 
also very much, yet I should wait for further develop- 
ments before making up my mind in his particular case 
He replied, " I have also come to the same conclusion. 
To-morrow, God willing, I will make a full examination 
into this matter." ''Let God be true and every man a 
liar." His promises are " yea and amen." A faithful 
investigation clearly demonstrated that this aged man, 
by repeated acts of unfaithfulness to God and his 
Church, had forfeited all claim to the divine regards, 
or sympathy and assistance of his Christian brethren. 
What does the reader suppose was my own feelings, on 
learning the name and former residence of this man, to 
be assured that it was the same distinguished ^personage 
who prayed and shouted so loud, nearly all night, while 
assisting his guilty son to escape from the hands of 
* justice ! The mystery was now solved, and my good 
brother, Dr T. was no longer tempted to doubt tvhe 



MY SECOND CIRCUIT. 



489 



truth of that cheering promise, "Once I was young, and 
now I am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, 
nor his seed begging bread/' It is always best to do 
right, and then God will not forsake us in time of need. 

*' Sincerity ! thou first of virtues, 
Let no one leave thee onward — 
Although the earth should gape, 
And from the gulf of hell destruction cry, 
To take dissimulation's winding way." 



CHAPTER LXXVI. 

A TRIP ALONG THE BORDERS OF MY SEC- 
OND CIRCUIT. 

What thrilling emotions are awakened as I pass along 
the southern borders of my second circuit — White Oak ! 
In coming from Maysville my first appointment was at 
Higginsport, the next on Bullskin, then Chilo, Moscow, 
and Neville, on the Ohio river. At Chilo, at the house 
of brother Prather, the first Methodist preachers found a 
home more than fifty years ago. There I first formed 
the acquaintance of the widow Pigman, now Mrs. Teter, 
and her interesting family, several of whom have already 
passed over Jordan. White Oak circuit! I love its name, 
and delight even now to dwell upon its past history. It 
is full of pleasant and profitable reflections. I will give 
a brief sketch of its early history. 

Methodism was introduced into this region, along the 
borders, at an early day. A small settlement was first 
made in the upper part of Clermont county, Ohio, along 
the banks of the Ohio river. This part of the coun- 
try was then embraced in what was called the North- 
western territory of the United States. In the year 



490 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



1795 or 1796, Eev. G-eorge Brown, a local preacher, set- 
tled on Snag creek, in Kentucky, nearly opposite where 
Moscow now stands. This zealous and devoted man 
soon crossed over the Ohio river, and commenced preach- 
ing in a log-cabin at the mouth of Bullskin, on Bear 
creek. His labors were greatly blessed to the good of 
the people. Rev. Peter Hastings, with whom I was well 
acquainted, who, at that period, lived near Grermantown, 
Kentucky, also frequently crossed the river and preached 
at Bullskin. About 1798 or 1799, Rev. Joseph Tatman, 
a local preacher from Kentucky, settled where the town 
of Felicity now stands. He also preached to the inhab- 
itants of this newly-settled territory. In 1798 Rev. 
Greorge Brown formed a small class at the mouth of 
Bullskin, and appointed William Fee and Adam Simmons 
class-leaders. This class, however, was soon dissolved by 
the removal of its members to other parts of the coun- 
try. By this means the leaven spread far and wide. 
In 1799 Rev. Lewis Hunt formed a class at James Sar- 
gent's, and appointed John Larkin class-leader. The 
log-cabin of brother Sargent was just twenty feet square. 
Here brother Hunt held a quarterly meeting. The 
house was large enough to seat comfortably all who 
attended, except on the Sabbath, when a few were com- 
pelled to sit outside the door. At this period it was not 
uncommon for persons to travel twenty or thirty miles on 
horseback to attend a meeting of this character. At 
that time the word of the Lord was very precious; and 
men and women were known to walk once each week five 
and six miles to attend class meetings, and the same dis- 
tance at night to attend a prayer meeting. In a dark 
night the hickory-bark fagots were used, to give them 
light along the newly-blazed pathway. Tin and glass 
lanterns were not known in the backwoods at that day. 
The preaching-places were then in small cabins, which 



MY SECOND CIRCUIT. 



491 



generally contained two beds, the cooking utensils, furni- 
ture, husband, wife, and children, etc. It was the almost 
universal custom, in those days, during the summer, for 
the men to come to meeting in their shirt-sleeves and 
with bare feet. The women, if they had shoes and 
stockings, carried them in their hand till they came near 
the place of meeting, and then halted and put them on. 
and wore them during divine service; but as soon as 
meeting closed, and they started for their homes, they 
took off their sandals and returned as light-footed and 
more joy fid-hear ted than when they came. The health 
of brother Hunt failed, and there was no more preach- 
ing on the circuit by the traveling preachers for some 
time. 

In the fall of 1801 Rev. Benjamin Lakin was sent 
over the Ohio river from Kentucky, to ^'spy out the 
land, and from personal observation to make a report to 
the next annual conference.^' He traveled as far as 
Abner Leonard's, near Lebanon, and on his return to 
Kentucky made a favorable report as to the prospects, 
although the number of members was small. The next 
year, which was 1802, Rev. Elisha Bowman was ap- 
pointed to the Miami circuit. During the administra- 
tion of brother Bowman many were added to the Church. 
In 1804 he was succeeded by Rev. John Sale and Rev 
Joseph Oglesby. During this year a quarterly meeting 
was held at John Prather's. Bishop M'Kendree was 
then presiding elder of the district. On Saturday 
preaching was held in a grove adjoining the house. 
On Sunday morning, in love-feast, the Lord rained 
down righteousness upon his people. At 11 o'clock 
Bishop M'Kendree preached in the house and John Sale 
in the barn at the same time. The power of God fell on 
the people, and some were prostrated and cried to God 
for mercy, and some found peace in believing. Bishop 



492 rooT-PRixTs or an itinerant. 



M'Kendree fell prostrate under the mighty power and 
glory of God also. A number fled out of the house, but 
fell in the yard; and cried aloud for mercy. As the 
preaching in the barn was over at the same time, the two 
congregations met in the yard. The Lord then made 
bare his holy arm in the sight of all the people ; sinners 
were cut to the heart; many fell down under the mighty 
power of God, and cried out, 'Olen and brethren, what 
shall we do?" It was a memorable day, such as had 
never been witnessed in all that region of country be- 
fore. Among the number of converts on that occasion 
was Rev. George C. Light. Bishop 3I'Kendree was 
often heard to say that, in all his previous travels, he 
had never witnessed so remarkable a display of converting 
power. 

At this period all of Clermont county was included in 
old 3Iiami circuit, which was first organized in 1798. 
In the year 1805 Hopewell meeting-house was erected. 
It was built of hewed logs, with a small gallery, and was 
the first church edifice erected on the Miami circuit. 
The first quarterly meeting held in this new church was 
attended by Rev. William Burke, Rev. J ohn Sale, Rev. 
John Meek, and brother Amos. It was a time of power 
and glory, and many were converted and added to the 
Church. Hopewell meeting-house was occupied as a 
regular preaching-place for more than tJiirtj/ years, and 
at length it became so much dilapidated and inconven- 
ient that the society resolved to abandon it and erect a 
new one in the town of Felicity. The old log house was 
still standing when I traveled on "White Oak circuit. I 
used to visit it frequently alone, enter the old pulpit, 
and pray to God that the mantle of those holy men of 
God, tnat were so successful in preaching Christ in that 
sacred desk, might rest upon me. From such seasons 
of communion with the good and holy I always derived 



MY SECOND CIRCUIT. 



498 



new courage and strength to prosecute my itinerant la- 
bors where so much good seed had already been sown. 

White Oak circuit was formed out of the old Miami 
circuit. The Minutes of the old Miami circuit go back 
to 1802. The first list of official members is recorded 
at a quarterly meeting held at Abner Leonard's; Novem- 
ber 9, 1805 — John Sale, presiding elder; Benjamin La- 
kin, Joshua Riggin, circuit preachers. Local preachers 
present; James Ward, Abner Leonard, Joseph Joslin, 
Ezekiel Dimmitt. Brother James Scofield, class-leader. 

On July 11, 1806, at a quarterly meeting held at Fran- 
cis M'Cormick's, the officiary present numbered forty- 
eight. 

At a quarterly meeting held at Rev. Philip Gatch's, 
near where the town of Milford now stands, August 29, 
1807, the following official members were present : John 
Sale, presiding elder; Benjamin Lakin, John Collins, 
circuit preachers Jesse Justice, Solomon Langdon, 
Charles Hardy, elders. 

Local deacons. — Philip Gatch, Francis M'Cormick, 
George Brown, Arball Walker, Levi Rogers, Wm. Lynes, 
Abner Leonard, Danford Weatherby, John Langdon, 
Daniel Duvall. 

Local preachers. — William M'Mahon, Wm. Whitaker, 
Henry Fisher, James Ward, Joseph Joslin, John Clark, 
Labin Braziers. 

Exliorters. — Joshua Sargent, Elijah Fee, Geo. Swing, 
Thomas Page, Ezekiel Dimmitt, Richard Doughty, Peter 
M'Clain, Urial Ward, Robert Richards, Isaac Snyder, 
James Heath. 

List of stewards. — James Sargent, Jonathan Tullis, 
Ambrose Ransome, Joseph Dole. 

Leaders. — Philip Hill, James Thustin, John Davis, 
Stephen Stevinson, Ezekiel Hall, Isaac Yaneton, Benja- 
min Clarke, George Mole, John M'Collom, John Drum- 



494: FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



mond, John Sargent, Thomas Marsh, James Sargent, jr., 
Samuel Lemmon, Nathan Laycock, Amos Smith, Amos 
Tullis, James Garland, Isaac Merritt, Jacob Joslin, Ja- 
cob Snyder, Hugh M'Kibben, Thaddeus Handford, Aaron 
Burdsell, Thomas Fee, Absalom Day, Hezekiah Shaw. 

The following persons were admitted on trial as ex- 
horters : William Winans, (now Doctor Winans, of the 
Church South,) George Meal, John Willson, Cornelius 
Swim, Thomas Clarke. Francis M'Cormick was recom- 
mended to the annual conference as a traveling preacher. 

If the reader will take the trouble of adding up this 
official list, he will find it contains a much larger number 
than some of our annual conferences at the present time. 
The quarterly meetings in those days of primitive Meth- 
odism in southern Ohio, were always occasions of un- 
usual interest. 

In 1808, at the same place, Eev. William Winans was 
licensed to preach. White Oak circuit was organized in 
1808, and Rev. David Young appointed preacher in 
charge. The standard of piety was always high, and 
consequently the circuit prospered greatly. Within its 
boundaries God raised up many able ministers, among 
whom were Rev. Walter Griffith and Rev. G. C. Light. 
These devoted men commenced their ministry in 1809, 
according to the record on the Stewards' book for that 
circuit — Rev. Absalom Fox, 1821. One thing which, no 
doubt, contributed much to keep alive religion in the 
hearts of the people of God, was their annual camp 
meetings. The first one on record was held near Jacob 
Constant's, on Indian creek, and another near Francis 
M'Cormick' s, in 1820 — Francis Langdon, presiding elder, 
and Rev. William J. Thompson, circuit preacher. In 
1821 a union camp meeting was held on the east fork of 
the Little Miami, near Milford, on the first of June, and 
another on the 16th of August, on Indian creek. In 



MY SECOND CIRCUIT. 



495 



the year 1822 a camp meeting was held near Benjamin 
Penn's, on Indian creek. Subsequently a grove was 
selected immediately above the house of brother Gregg, - 
at Indian Springs, as the most suitable place for holding 
their annual encampment. Persons would frequently 
travel on horseback thirty or forty miles to attend these 
meetings on White Oak circuit, Almost every year some 
of the ablest preachers from the Kentucky conference 
came over to lend a helping hand. A number of years 
before I entered the ministry I attended two or three of 
those meetings. The last one that I attended was when 
Kev. Arthur W. Elliott was preacher in charge. 0, 
that was a precious season never to be forgotten ! Hun- 
dreds were awakened and converted, and among the 
number Rev. Zachariah Wharton, of the Cincinnati con- 
ference. Many that attended that meeting are now 
numbered among the redeemed ones in a better world. 

While traveling on West Union circuit. Rev. John A. 
Baughman and myself attended one of those annual 
gatherings. At that meeting Dr. Durbin, Rev. William 
B. Christie, Rev. Joseph M. Trimble, Rev. Henry B. 
Bascom, Rev. John Collins, and many other bright and 
shining lights, preached with great power and efficiency. 
In 1837 I was appointed to White Oak circuit as the jun- 
ior preacher. On leaving Ripley, Mrs. Mc, an old ac- 
quaintance, whose parents resided in the bounds of that 
circuit, remarked to me as follows : " Now, brother 
Mack, in going around your circuit, be careful not to 
make any remarks about any one that you may see at any 
one of your appointments.'^ I asked the reason why. 
She replied, They are nearly all closely related to each 
other hy kindred ties." I found this strikingly true— 
the G-reggs, Penns, Pigmans, Sargents, Buchanans, La- 
kins, Richardses, Groodwins, Griffiths, Simmonses, and 
Fees had a representative at almost every appointment. 



496 



POOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



Thank God! tlie "glory lias not departed from White 
Oak circuit." May it prosper for a long time to come i 
Amen. 

I will now close this trip along the borders of my 
second circuity by introducing an autograph letter from 
Rev. J ohn Meek, who now lives in Felicity. It will; no 
doubt, be read with much satisfaction by thousands m 
southern Ohio and elsewhere : 

"In the fall of 1804 our conference, I believe, was 
held at brother G-riffith's, in Kentucky. The bishop 
did not get there. Rev. William 31'Kendree was elected 
president of the conference during the session. When 
it was announced that he was the choice of the brethren, 
as chairman of the conference, he arose, and, in a flood 
of tears, expressed his deep sense of obligation to his 
brethren for the confidence they had placed in him, and 
begged their indulgence, and also their fervent supplica- 
tion to the great Head of the Church that he might be 
sustained. And, indeed, there appeared to be but one 
feeling to pervade the whole, ^ure friendship ; for here, 
let me say, in those days of sujBfering and of toil, the 
blessed law of kindness was the governing principle. 
And, verily, we had a blessed season of the Divine pres- 
ence ; for the God of the wilderness was with us of a 
truth. 

"Our beloved M'Kendree presided with great ability; 
and I believe I am correct when I say that the preachers 
seldom, if ever, received their appointments with a bet- 
ter state of feeling, or went more cheerfully to theii 
different fields of labor. My name stood for Miami cii'- 
cuit, and Ptev. Abraham Amos for my colleague. We 
started immediately to our new field of labor, and I soon 
lound that I was much favored in the character of my 
fellow-laborer. He was a man much devoted to God, a 
faithful minister of Jesus Christ. A divine power gen- 



MY SECOND CIRCUIT. 



497 



orally attended his ministry. He was truly a ^son of 
thunder.' We spent a happy year together in mutual 
labor and toil. 

^^Our field of operation embraced the following bound- 
aries, namely: The beginning point was at Cincinnati. 
Here we preached in a yellow frame house, that was 
rented by the society in town for a meeting-house. 
From Cincinnati we made our way around the circuit, up 
the Ohio river to Columbia; from thence to Dunham's 
Town — Bethel — and Williamsburg, and through the set- 
tlement of Philip G-atch, and on through that region 
of country to where the town of Xenia now proudly 
stands, till we arrived at Boggues's, high up on the Little 
Miami river. From Boggues's we changed our route 
from said river, through a lonesome wilderness, following 
Indian trails, to the settlement of a brother Clarke, whose 
house was a preaching-place, about two miles from where 
the beautiful town of Urbana now stands; and from 
Clarke's we traveled down Mad river to where it emptied 
its crystal waters into the G-reat Miami river. Here was 
preaching-place in the town of Dayton, which was then 
composed of but few buildings, the main portion of 
which were huddled near the junction of the two rivers, 
and a few small houses scattered about among the shrub- 
bery through the bottoms, among which was our meet- 
ing-house, which was a one-story house, built of round 
logs, without chinking or daubing, as we then called it. 
I believe the house properly belonged to the Presbyterian 
Church. Their minister was by the name of Welch, and 
I believe he was a good-natured, clever kind of a man. 
Here were but a few members in Church-fellowship, and 
some of them very cold in religion. From Dayton we 
continued our course down the Miami river, by the way 
of Lebanon, and through the town of Beading, down 
Mill creeJc to Cincinnati. The foregoing was our field 
42 



498 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

of labor. When we first came to it, it was then a four 
weeks' circuit, without any rest time, except when 
asleep. 

^'We soon heard the Macedonian cry, ^Come over and 
help us!' We obeyed the call, and commenced enlarg- 
ing our borders, and soon found ourselves at work on a 
six weeks' circuit. Rev. William Burke, who was yet 
our presiding elder — a faithful watchman on the walls of 
our beloved Zion — sent to our help my former colleague, 
brother William Patterson. We ' thanked Grod, and took 
courage.' Let it here be stated, we did not enlarge our 
circuit in order to get a week to rest, that we might read 
and study, and thereby gain knowledge, but that we 
might hunt up the ^wandering sheep in the wilder- 
ness.' Blessed be God ! we searched not in vain; and, 
on finding them in their scattered settlements, they 
would bid us welcome to their cabins with, ^ Come m, 
thou blessed of the Lord, come in!* 0, sirs, those were 
days of no ordinary delight ! and, though I am now 
ranked among the old men of the conference, yet, some- 
times, when I look back to those days, and think how 
wonderfully the Lord supported and blessed me, I feel 
something of the same flame of zeal that then warmed 
my youthful heart. 

'^We were permitted to witness some gracious displays 
of 'Divine grace through the summer of 1805. I can 
recollect but very few names of persons at whose houses, 
or settlements, the great Head of the Church was pleased 
to revive his work. I will, however, state a few instan- 
ces: x\t Clarke's, on Mad river, there was a gracious 
work. A number of careless and hardened sinners were 
powerfully awakened, and, I believe, soundly converted 
to God. At one appointment at that house, during the 
revival, I received into the Church fifteen names on pro- 
bation, which was very encouraging indeed in that then 



MY SECOND CIRCUIT. 



499 



tliinlj-settled part of the world; for it was the upper 
wliite settlement, but one, on Mad river at that time. 

At our next appointment below, at Ross's, there was a 
good work of grace, which was preceded by rather a 
singular circumstance. At the time of one of our visits 
at that appointment, there were two ladies there on a 
visit from Chillicothe, one married and the other 
single ; one of them very gay and fond of the fash- 
ions of the times. Some time in the after part of the 
day — the family were mostly absent — the two ladies 
above-named and the preacher were engaged in a conver- 
sation on different subjects. The conversation was soon 
changed; the preacher was requested to preach them a 
sermon; the request was complied with. The text was 
Luke xii, 32 : ' Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Fath- 
er's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.' The Spirit 
of God directed the word to the proud heart of Mrs. P. 
She trembled, wept, and, in the anguish of her soul, 
pleaded for pardon. This small congregation was dis- 
missed for that time. Meeting was appointed for next 
evening at the same place. The people met, divine service 
commenced; the power of the Lord was present to heal. 
The above-named lady, deeply wounded, fell under the 
mighty power of Grod, and cried mightily to him for sal- 
vation ; and it was not long till the Lord appeared and set 
her soul at liberty, and gave her to rejoice in his love. 
From that time we had a blessed work in that settlement. 
We appointed a two-days' meeting in Cincinnati. E,ev. 
John Collins, then in the prime of life, came to our help, 
with the sound of his Master's feet behind him. We 
had a comfortable time on Saturday. We appointed a 
love-feast meeting on Sabbath morning, the first meeting 
of the kind that was ever held in Cincinnati. Our meet- 
ing was held in the court-house ; we met, to hold love- 
feast, in the ' grand-jury room.' Our blessed Savior met 



500 FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

with US of a truth, and made the hearts of his people to 
rejoice in his love. The voice of triumph was heard by 
the people out of doors and in the streets. This was 
something new in Cincinnati. They rushed up stairs, 
burst open the door, to see what it all meant, and lo ! 
they found a few faithful followers of the Lord Jesus 
rejoicing in hope of heaven, and also of better days in 
Cincinnati. 

"I believe the good seed that was sowed in Cincinnati, 
in those days of toil and struggle, did not perish. May 
the Lord still carry on his own glorious work I 

"A meeting-house was built during that year in Cler- 
mont county, I think not far from where Felicity now 
stands. They called it Hopewell. At the dedication 
the power of the Lord was present in the assembly, and 
many stout-hearted sinners were made to yield to the 
spirit of Divine truth. The cry for mercy was heard 
from many a bleeding heart, and souls were enabled to 
rejoice in redemption through the blood of the Lamb. 
Revs. M'Kendree and Burke were at the meeting, and 
preached in the ^ power and demonstration of the Spirit.' 
On Sabbath M'Kendree preached from 2 Cor. iii, 18 : 
'But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the 
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from 
glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.' 
Brother Burke followed, and preached from the 17th 
verse of the same chapter: 'Now the Lord is that Spirit, 
and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.' 
The Lord attended, and sinners fell under his saving- 
power as men slain in battle. Truly the Lord made us 
to rejoice in the wilderness; our cup mn over. Glory 
be to Grod ! We had a rich harvest. 

''As I wi'ite other scenes of a like nature are presented 
to my recollection. To tell you all that I now could call 
to memory, would too far exceed mv intended limits, and 



MY SECOND CIRCUIT. 



501 



I fear your readers would become weary. Bui, sur- 
rounded with all those Divine visitations, we had some 
few scenes to pass through which answered for a kind of 
offset. I presume it is generally the fact, that the first 
settlers in a new country are made up of every variety of 
character, at least it appeared a good deal like it when 
we first came out of the Miami circuit. Take one case 
out of the many : On my first round I arrived at one of 
our preaching-places. I soon discovered a very striking 
resemblance of matters and things in the house and out 
of doors. My conviction was I should have use for all 
the fortitude I could summon in order to manage myself 
any how tolerably. I made myself as happy as my situ- 
ation would admit for the night. On the next day the 
people collected to hear the new preacher. After divine 
service was brought to a close, and the people dispersed, 
the table was set for dinner. We had a large dish of 
boiled pork and turnips sioimming in broth. By the time 
we were fairly seated, and about to commence eating, a 
large family dog, not willing to wait till his turn should 
come, without any invitation, mounted and took Ms 
place on the table; and, unfortunately for me, he care- 
lessly set one foot on the side of the above-named dish 
of pork and turnips, and threw a quantity of the broth 
out, which ran into my lap plentifully. This, for a mo- 
ment, put me a little out of patience ; but when I dis- 
covered that some of the folks were quite diverted with 
the amusing adventure of my new friend, I too indulged 
in a smile, and let it go for what it was worth. I took 
tny dinner, got my horse, mounted, and went on my way. 
^' Yours, in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, 

^<JoHN Meek/' 



502 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER LXXYII. 

HERRON's SEMINARY. 

I FORMED an acquaintance with Mr. Josepli Herron, A 
M., the Principal of Herron's Seminary, located between 
Walnut and Vine, on Seventh-street, in Cincinnati, in the 
year 1838. I was then the pastor of old M'Kendree 
Chapel, in the upper part of Cincinnati, then called Ful- 
ton township. As Mr. Herron has been a very successful 
educator of youth, I will sketch his personal history for a 
number of years past. Mr. H. spent four years of his 
early life in a printing oiQ&ce with his brothers, but find- 
ing it did not agree with his health, concluded to aban- 
don tyipes, at once and forever. He was then only seven- 
teen years of age. In the fall of 1825, at the solicita- 
tion of many warm friends in New Richmond, Ohio, he 
opened a select school for young ladies and gentlemen. 
He taught in New Richmond, and at the Franklin school- 
house in the vicinity, for three years, and, although quite 
young, he succeeded well. Here he commenced his 
career as a teacher of youth, a profession in which he has 
been engaged successfully, with the approbation and 
blessing of Heaven, for more than twenty-four years. In- 
deed, with the exception of six years — from 1828 to 1834, 
during which period he was engaged in study and busi- 
ness — his life has been entirely devoted to the instruction 
of youth. When the public schools were fully organized 
in Cincinnati, and efficient teachers were needed to carry 
them on successfully and place them on a solid basis, broth- 
er Herron was urged to become one of the teachers. He 
occupied this position for three years, and by his kind 
disposition and Christian deportment, together with a 
laudable ambition to become a competent and useful in- 



herron's seminary. 



503 



structor^ he was universally beloved by bis pupils^ parents, 
and the Board of Trustees. During this period be made 
many warm friends in Cincinnati, among whom were Rev. 
Samuel Lewis, first Superintendent of Common Schools 
in Ohio, Peyton S. Symmes, Elam P. Langdon, members of 
the Board of Public Instruction. When the Cincinnati 
College was reorganized in all its departments of colle- 
giate studies — medicine and law — Dr. D. Drake and Bev. 
Samuel Lewis waited on brother Herron and invited him 
to become a member of the faculty. After mature delib- 
eration he accepted the appointment, and entered upon 
his new duties in the fall of 1837, where he remained till 
the College was destroyed by fire in January, 1845. His 
department in the College was always crowded. It was 
here that he laid the foundation for his present high 
reputation as a professional teacher. After the destruc- 
tion of the Cincinnati College he was requested to open a 
private seminary. I have no knowledge of any private 
enterprise that has succeeded so well, and it certainly 
now stands at the head of our private literary institutions 
in the west. The eleventh annual Catalogue, just pub- 
lished, presents the Seminary in a highly-prosperous state. 
Over two hundred pupils have been in attendance for the 
past year. Of these one hundred and eighty-seven were 
from Ohio, twelve from Kentucky, one from France, 
one from New York, one from Arkansas, one from Mary- 
land, and one from Texas. An indisputable testimony 
in favor of the institution is presented in the fact, that 
in Cincinnati, where it is best known, the vast majority, 
one hundred and seventy-five out of two hundred and 
four, of its pupils reside. The Faculty, at present, is 
composed of the following efficient teachers: Joseph 
Herron, A. M., Principal, Instructor in Natural Philoso- 
phy, Physiology, Anatomy, Bhetoric, and Moral Science; 
Charles Aiken, A. M., Professor of Latin and Greek Lan- 



504 



FOOT-PEINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



gnagesj and Yocal 3Insic ; Edward T. Bobbins, A. M., 
Professor of Mathematics, Englisb Literature, and Elocn- 
tion ; Paul Schuster, A. M., Professor of Modem Lan- 
guages: William H. 3I'E^Tnolds, A. B., Assistant ; 3Ias- 
well P. GraddiSj jr., B. S., Professor of Xatnral Science; 
Miss Lucy E. Herron, Assistant; William Thompson, 
Professor of Penmanship and Book-Keeping; Lonis 
Schwebel, Professor of Drawing and Painting ; Mons. J. 
Tosso, Professor of Instrumental Music. 

The merits of this Academy for the instruction of 
youth in the Tarious branches of a yaluable and solid 
education, and for preparing them for a career of usefiil- 
ness in life, is too well known to require comment from 
US. It is an institution of long standing, and since its 
establishment has continued to increase in popular esti- 
mation, till its reputation has reached a position unsur- 
passed by any in the west. 

Mr. Herron, referring to the character of his model 
institution, claims that the goYemment is strictly pa- 
rental; that it is designed to secure attention to study, 
and correctness of deportment, not so much by the en- 
forcement of rigid enactments, as by cultiTating in the 
student a taste for intellectual pursuits and virtuous hab- 
its. In short, moral suasion, and the influence of exam- 
ple, with the incitements of honorable emulations, are 
adopted as the incentiTes to secure the correct moral 
training of youth, and the thorough discipKne of their 
intellectual factdties. The excellence of the graduates 
of this institution thrown out upon the community aann- 
ally, is high testimony in favor of its merits. 

The Seminary is provided with competent scientific ap- 
paratus, the most approved and latest maps, and a large 
and admirably-selected libraiy. In fact, every thing req- 
uisite to scholarly and gentlemanly attainments, is pro- 
vided, and each department is administered by thoroughly 



OHIO WESLEYAN FEMALE COLLEGE. 



505 



competent professors. The interest manifested by the 
crowds who are assembled at the annual examinations 
and exhibitions of this Seminary, demonstrates most 
clearly how highly it is appreciated by the citizens of 
Cincinnati. 

I have been personally acquainted with Professor Her- 
ron for nearly eighteen years. He was connected with 
Bethel Chapel as trustee, steward, class-leader, and super- 
intendent of the Sabbath school. A more laborious, up- 
right, and devoted Christian I have never met in any 
community. During my connection with M'Kendree 
he was married to an amiable young lady belonging to my 
charge, and during my Agency for the Wesleyan Female 
College I was a member of his family for more than nine 
months. I shall never forget his gentlemanly deportment 
and the kindness of his family toward me in times of 
affliction and trial. His oldest son graduated at the Ohio 
Wesleyan University with honor, and is now a traveling 
preacher in the Cincinnati conference. May it be my 
happy lot to meet them all in heaven ! 

OHIO WESLEYAN FEMALE COLLEGE. 

The Ohio Wesleyan Female College in Delaware was 
established in the spring of 1853. The eligibility of 
the town as a location for a female school of high grade 
has for some time past been regarded as demonstrated. 
The University established in Delaware by the Methodists 
of Ohio twelve years ago has grown up to be, perhaps, 
the largest and most flourishing Methodist school in the 
world Its halls have only been open to young men. 
We still have needed in this section of the country a 
similar institution for the education of the daughters 
of our Church and our state. The patrons of the Uni- 
versity, who have sent their sons from beneath the 
parental roof, would be dad, if possible, to educate their 



506 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



daughters in the same Ticinity with their sons; and 
many of our brethren and fellow-citizens who have lo- 
cated in Delaware to avail themselves of the educational 
facilities afforded by the University, find still only half 
their families provided for in this respect. 

Early in the spring of 1853 it became evident that 
the time to move in this matter was fully come. A 
delay of a few days might have proved fatal to our 
prospects as a Church. Accordingly negotiations were 
opened and a contract entered into with William Little, 
Esq., for his homestead grounds, comprising the choicest 
portions of a large estate lying within the limits of the 
corporation at the western head of the principal cross- 
street, and easily accessible from all parts of the town. 
The hand of nature has made the location desirable by 
diversifying it with hill and vale, running streams of 
health-giving, forests and flowers. To this the hand 
of art has added all the conveniences and advantages 
at the command of abundant means and refined taste — 
gardens, shrubbery, vines, fruit-trees, summer-houses, or- 
namental walks, bowers, and shady seats. The Trustees 
purchased, in all, about seven acres. The spacious stone 
mansion is situated in the center of this tract, in a com- 
manding position, twenty-five feet higher than the 
grounds of the University — the two institutions stand- 
ing fronting each other in full view, the town lying 
in the valley between. By the terms of the contract 
the grounds are to be surrounded on every side with a 
wide street, and the whole is to be inclosed by the Trus- 
tees with an osage hedge to protect from all intrusion. 
The beautiful grounds on the north-west offer to the 
students every inducement for active and invigorating 
exercise; and the cultivated gardens to the east and 
south give ample scope for gentler amusements. Near 
the grounds are several chalybeate as well as sulphur 



OHIO WESLEYAN FEMALE COLLEGE. 507 

springs, some of which are equal, if not superior, to the 
far-famed spring on the grounds of the University. A 
few extracts from the ^'Articles of Association" are here 
given : 

Article I. This institution shall be called the Ohio 
Wesleyan Female College, etc. 

Art. II. The College shall ever be conducted on the 
most liberal principles, accessible to all religious de- 
nominations, and open for the education of young ladies 
in general, but shall ever be under the supervision of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ohio. 

Art. VL It shall be the duty of the Board of Trus- 
tees to proffer to the North Ohio conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, at the next session of said 
conference, the general supervision and patronage of this 
institution, and also the right to exercise general vis- 
itorial powers over the College, etc.; provided, nothing 
in said proffer contained shall exclude the other con- 
ferences in Ohio, or conferences which may hereafter be 
formed out of the existing conferences of said Church 
in Ohio, from participating with said North Ohio con- 
ference in the supervision, patronage, and rights in such 
a manner as may be agreed on among said conferences ; 
and, provided, further, that nothing in said proffer con- 
tained shall ever authorize the removal of said College 
from a location in the town of Delaware, and in said 
county, etc. 

Art. IX. If the conference or conferences patronizing 
this College and the conferences patronizing the Ohio 
Wesleyan University located at Delaware, Ohio, shall, 
at any future time, recommend the union of the two 
institutions, so far as the same can legally be effected, 
then the Trustees of that College shall proceed to take 
such steps as may be legal and necessary to accomplish 
it, etc. 



508 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



This flourisliiDg institution was opened on tlie 8tli of 
September, 1853, under tlie supervision of Rev. 0. Fa- 
ville, A. M., and his amiable lady, Mrs. Maria M. Fa- 
ville. The total number in attendance the collegiate 
year was one hundred and. fifty-nine; second year two 
liund7'ed and two, an increase of over forty. 

Terms and Vacations. — The collegiate year is di- 
vided into three vacations, corresponding with those of 
the Ohio "Wesleyan University, 

Rev. Oran Faville, in consequence of continued ill- 
health, has been compelled to resign, and Rev. C. D. 
Burritt, of Oneida conference, elected in his place. 
Mr. Burritt comes to Ohio well recommended as a man of 
undoubted scholarship and skillful as a teacher, and of 
fine tact as a disciplinarian. The other members of the 
Faculty are highly spoken of also. May the halls of 
both of our colleges at Delaware be annually crowded 
with faithful students of both sexes ! 



CHAPTER LXXYIII. 

OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 

I HAVE frequently visited this flourishing institution, 
and take great pleasure in describing it to my readers. 

Fourteen years ago, says Rev. William P. Strickland, D. 
J). J Doctor Elliott and myself were appointed a committee 
at the Ohio conference, then holding its session in Urbana, 
to visit Delaware, for the purpose of examining the Sulphur 
Spring property, with a view of entertaining the proposition 
of the proprietor and citizens in regard to the establish- 
ment of a University, taking the mansion-house, located 
near the Springs, as a College building. At that time there 
were no railroads in Ohio, with the exception of a few miles 



OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 



509 



of the Little Miami, extending from Cincinnati to Milford. 
Our old friend, Rev. Adam Poe, now one of the Book 
Agents, having been delegated by the North Ohio confer- 
ence to attend the session of the Ohio conference, for the 
purpose of presenting the claims of Delaware as a central 
and desirable location for a University in Ohio, took us 
in his carriage, and we wended our way over hill and 
dale, through mud and rain, to Delaware. On our arri- 
val we were kindly received and entertained by Dr. 
Picket, now deceased, whose hospitalities made our stay 
very agreeable. On Sabbath morning the Doctor preach- 
ed an admirable sermon in the old brick church, now 
superseded by a new and admirably-constructed stone one. 
The pulpit was occupied in the afternoon by ourself, 
whether to the edification of any one we know not — cer- 
tainly not to the preacher. 

We walked over the grounds and through the mansion, 
and tasted of the waters. The Doctor quaffed them with 
a relish which I could never appreciate. After having 
made all the examination necessary of the property, and 
had fuli'and free conversation with several of the more 
prominent citizens, we came to the conclusion that the 
position was a most desirable one, and the offer so liberal 
on behalf of the citizens, the conference would be blind 
to its educational interests if it did not accept their prop- 
osition. Early on the morning on which we were going 
to make our return trip I was awakened by the Doctor, 
who exclaimed, " S., wake up, sir, I have my speech ready 
for the conference; just listen." When he was satisfied 
I was awake he commenced, and after giving a few 
thoughts on the subject of education in general, and its 
importance in particular to the Church, and making some 
prophecies which at that time were thought to be wild 
and extravagant, but are from year to year meeting with 
a literal and exact fulfillmient, he closed by a description 



510 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



of the virtues and medical qualities of the white sulphur 
waters. Had he been drinking at the fountain of Heli- 
con, he could not have been more eloquent, or, as subse- 
quent events have proven, more oracular. 

Having returned to Urbana, in due time the conference 
called upon the Doctor for his report, and repeating what 
he had said to me on the morning alluded to, with some 
additional remarks elicited by the inspiring amens and 
pleasurable emotions exhibited among the numerous 
warm-hearted ministers around him, the conference, after 
considerable discussion, appointed a board of commission, 
with power to negotiate a transfer, should they, in their 
judgment, deem it proper to do so. The board was com- 
posed of Eevs. Jacob Young, Charles Elliott, and James 
B. Finley. The North Ohio conference joined in the 
enterprise. Agents were appointed to solicit donations 
and scholarships. An organization was effected, the 
Board of Trustees being selected from the bounds of the 
patronizing conferences, a charter obtained, and every 
regulation adopted to lay a broad and strong foundation 
for a University. Till then but little had been done by 
the Church for the promotion of education in Ohio. We 
had the Norwalk Seminary, Springfield Academy and 
Conference High School, and the Worthington Female 
Seminary; but we had no college. Augusta, in Ken- 
tucky, the oldest literary institution of the Church, was 
then in its decline. Its palmy days were passed, and the 
idea that it would ever afford facilities sufficient to meet 
the wants of the great and growing state of Ohio was 
never entertained. It was the alma mater of many of 
Ohio's gifted and eloquent sons in the ministry, who live 
to speak of its praise, and drop the tear of sympathy 
upon its ashes. 

Previous to the organization of the Faculty a prepara- 
tory school was opened, under the preceptorship of Rev. 



OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 



511 



Dr. Solomon Howard, now the popular President of the 
old Ohio University. The Doctor commenced, I am in- 
formed, with hut three students; notwithstanding, he 
labored on in hope. In the autumn of 1844 the time 
arrived for the organization of a Faculty. Every eye was 
turned to the talented and much-beloved Dr. Thomson, 
at that time editor of the Ladies' Repository. Professor 
Johnson — now Dr. Johnson, of Dickinson College — was 
appointed Professor of Languages, and Vice-President in 
charge till Dr. Thomson should assume his place. Pro- 
lessor Howard was appointed Professor of Mathematics, 
and Messrs. Williams and Dial teachers in the Grammar 
School. Thus matters continued till, in 1846, at the unani- 
mous request of the Ohio conference, together with that 
of the North Ohio, Dr, Thomson entered upon the post 
to which he had been elected. As yet the institution 
was without endowment, but little had been effected 
by the sale of scholarships, and difficulties seemed to 
frown upon the enterprise, but the men who were called 
to the work were of that class not easily discouraged. 
They had the spirit of Methodist preachers, and though 
they had not taken the vow of poverty, were, notwith- 
standing, ready to meet and grapple with all the difficul- 
ties. They went to work without endowment, and with 
little patronage, and without the hope of fee or reward, 
except what they looked for in heaven; and against hope 
they toiled in hope till the day of prosperity dawned upon 
their labors. And now what has been wrought through 
their instrumentality? Those learned and pious men, 
urged on by the love of God and the welfare of the 
Church, have achieved a victory over obstacles that men 
of the world would have been deterred from encounter- 
ing, and God has been with them; and now, from the 
Nebo of their attainment, they can see the vast and ex- 
uberant resources of the promised land spreading every- 



512 FOOT-PRIATS OF AN ITINEKANT. 

where around them. lostead of a few students from the 
immediate yicinity, they now behold hundreds crowding 
the portals of their beloyed Wesleyan University from 
the length and breadth of the land, and from Maine to 
Louisiana, and even old England, we find names upon 
their catalogue. Where rose but one edifice solitary and 
alone, now, in large and beautiful proportions, with all the 
adornments of a classic architecture, can be seen two others, 
one of which, the College Hall, occupying the center of 
the umbrageous campus, and the other, the Library Hall, 
a beautiful edifice, with its halls and alcoves, and orna- 
mented rotunda, and thousands of volumes gathered from 
the literary marts of the old world and new world, stand- 
ing by its side. 

The following minute and interesting description is 
from the pen of Professor Merrick : 

First, as to the location of the University. The geo- 
graphical center of the state falls near the eastern line 
of Delaware county, very nearly due east from the Uni- 
versity. By consulting Fox & Hoyt's Conference Map, it 
will be seen that the University stands within a few miles 
of the geopraphical center of the three principal patron- 
izing conferences. This is an important circumstance. 
The location was formerly objected to by some on account 
of its being so difiicult of access; but, thanks to the enter- 
prising public that has built our railroads, that objection 
has been entirely removed. There is, perhaps, not an- 
other town in the state more easily reached from all parts 
of the country than this. 

The village of Delaware, in which the University is 
located, is pleasantly situated upon the west side of the 
Olentangy river. It has a population of about forty-one 
hundred, and is in a very prosperous condition, as is seen 
in the fact that it has about tripled its population in the 
last ten years. It contains one very large hotel, and two 



OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 



513 



of medium size; several extensive commercial blocks, 
and an unusual proportion of pleasant private residences. 
There are several mineral springs, sulphur and chalybeate, 
in the vicinity of the town, the most noted of which is 
the White Sulphur Spring upon the College grounds. 
The citizens, as a class, are moral^ intelligent, enterpris- 
ing, and liberal. If there are exceptions, where are there 
not? Happy the community in which the exceptions are 
not upon the other side. 

The University buildings^ which have already become 
quite imposing, occupy a somewhat elevated position in 
the south-eastern part of the town. The College campus 
contains about fifteen acres, has a beautifully-varied sur- 
face, and is well set out with trees and shrubbery. A 
thousand or fifteen hundred dollars expended in grading, 
fencing, and other needed improvements, would make it 
one of the most delightful spots in the country. But the 
present state of the College finances does not warrant the 
expenditure. By the way, should some rich and liberal 
friend of the University be casting about in his mind for 
an object upon which to bestow a portion of his abund- 
ance, I hardly know where he could expend it to better 
advantage than upon the University grounds ; for what is 
so constantly present to the eye can not but have an im- 
portant influence upon the hundreds of young men who 
are here receiving impressions which are molding their 
characters for life. 

The three main edifices stand upon elevated ground in 
the south-eastern part of the town, facing to the west. 
They are all of the same style of architecture — Grecian 
Doric — and all four stories high, including the basements. 
The north building, as yet without a name, is the one 
which was standing upon the ground at the time the site 
was presented by the citizens of Delaware to the confer- 
ences It was erected under the supervision of Thomas 



51-1 fOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

Powell, Esq., the principal proprietor of the Spring 
property" — a gentleman of excellent taste, and who, by 
the way, has done, and is still doing much for the im- 
provement of the town. It has a front of sixty-two feet, 
and is fifty-two feet in depth. • It is universally admired 
for the beauty of its proportions and the chasteness of 
its architecture. Though built of wood it is a very firm 
structure, and, should it escape destruction by fire, will 
probably stand for half a century or more. It was not 
originally planned for a College edifice ; still it answers 
the purpose very well. Let us enter the basement. On 
the north side will be found the recitation-room of the 
Normal Department. In the south-west corner is the 
hall of the Chrestomathian Society, about to be ex- 
changed for a more commodious room in the library 
building; in the south-east the store-room of the painter. 

One turn up the spiral stairway brings us into a 
spacious hall, at the west end of which is the main en- 
trance into the building. On the right of the entrance 
is the President's private room, or study; about which, 
were I to yield to my feelings, I should say some pleas- 
ant things. I but reiterate what is public, when I say 
that in two respects, at least, it is like a hive, industry 
and honey are there; and if the incorrigibly wicked, old 
and young, sometimes find the sting, who will complain? 
On the opposite side of the hall is the study and reci- 
tation-room of ourself, which for convenience and pleas- 
antness satisfy the occupant. In the story above Pro- 
fessors M'Cabe, Williams, and Harris have their studies, 
and Professor Williams a recitation-room. Like the 
rooms in the story below all are pleasant and commodi- 
ous. A story higher the Principal of the Normal De- 
partment, Mr, Ogden, and Tutors Williams and O'Kane 
are accommodated with private rooms, and the Zetagath- 
ian and Athenian Societies with halls. 



OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 



515 



Thomson Chapel comes next in order, a building hon- 
ored by its name and no dishonor to it. In the east 
end of the basement is a spacious lecture-room, in which 
Professor Harris grounds his pupils in the principles of 
G-eology, and other branches of natural science. In 
connection with the lecture-room there is a laboratory and 
a small room for chemical tests and apparatus. Adjoin- 
ing are the recitation rooms of the tutors. In the story 
above the Professor of Mathematics has a large and 
beautiful recitation-room, with two small rooms attached. 
A. room now occupied by the Missionary Lyceum, but to 
be fitted up for the Cabinet of Natural History, and a 
room for the philosophical apparatus completes the story. 
On the next floor is the audience-room, eighty feet by 
fifty-two, and twenty-two high. This is well adapted to 
the purposes to which it is devoted, and, though plain, 
is not devoid of beauty. 

The Library building, which bears the name of our 
liberal friend Sturges, is similar in external appearance 
to the building first described, though a little larger. 
In the two lower stories there are four fine halls for the 
use of the literary societies, and a reading-room. Each 
of the society halls in the lower story have a library- 
room in connection with them; and on the next floor 
there are two small rooms, one for the use of the auditor 
and one for the librarian. The library- room occupies 
the two upper stories ; is sixty-four feet long, fifty wide, 
and twenty-two high, exclusive of the dome. It is fin- 
ished with alcoves upon two sides; those upon the lower 
floor being twelve feet deep, and those in the gallery 
nine. Of this room we think we may safely make our 
boast. It certainly reflects much credit upon our very 
excellent architect, Morris Cadwalader, Esq. Both the 
building and the chapel are very solid structures. 

Morris Hall is the beginning of a boarding house, 



516 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

whicli; for the want of funds^ remains uncompleted. 
The part of which the walls are up is^ however, ^nished ; 
is two stories high, and contains sixteen rooms, which 
are now occupied by as many students, who board 
themselves. Here is another fine opportunity for some 
one so disposed to do a good work. Five thousand 
dollars might here be profitably expended. ' A few 
of the old cottage buildings are still standing, but are 
not worth describing. They ought to be replaced by 
better. 

Faculty. — Rev. Edward Thomson, D. D., President, 
and Professor of Belles-Lettres; Eev. Frederick Mer- 
rick, A. M., Professor of Biblical Literature and Moral 
Science; Rev. Lorenzo D. M'Cabe, A. M., Professor of 
Mathematics and Mechanical Philosophy; William Gr. 
Williams, A. M., Professor of Greek and Latin Lan- 
guages and Literature; Rev. William L. Harris, A. M., 
Professor of Chemistry and Natural History; John Og- 
den, Principal of Normal Department; Samuel W. Wil- 
liams, A. M., Tutor in Languages; Tullius C. O'Kane^ 
A. M., Tutor in Mathematics. 

Terms and Vacations. — The collegiate year is di- 
vided into three sessions and three vacations. 

The first session commences eight weeks after the 
second Wednesday in June, and continues till the first 
Wednesday in November. 

The second session commences two weeks after the 
close of the first session, and continues till the third 
Wednesday in February. 

The third session commences two weeks after the close 
of the second session, and continues till the second 
Wednesday in June. 

Expenses and Payments. — Tuition in the collegiate 
department, per year, S30; tuition for half coJlegiate 
recitations, 825; tuition in the preparatory department, 



METHODISM IN DAYTON. 



517 



$20; room rent^ $1.50 per session, $4.50; incidental ex- 
penses, $1— $3. 

These charges are payable by the session in advance. 
Boarding in private families at from $2 to $2.50 per 
week. Students can board themselves at from $1 to $1.50 
per week. 

With Rev. E. Thomson, D. D., I have had a long 
acquaintance. He has few equals, and no superiors as 
a college president in the west. Professors Merrick, 
M'Cabe, Williams, and Harris are very talented, and, in 
their several departments, are very popular and success- 
ful. Indeed, the faculty are all "good men and true," 
of well-known ability throughout the western coun- 
try generally. May the College have a still brighter 
future ! 



CHAPTER LXXIX. 

METHODISM IN DAYTON. 

Dayton, where I now reside, is situated on the east side 
of the Great Miami, at the mouth of Mad river. The 
point at which Dayton now stands was selected in 1788 
by some gentlemen who designed laying out a town by 
the name of Venice. This project was abandoned by 
the purchasers in consequence of Indian hostilities. 

Soon after Wayne's treaty, in 1795, a new company, 
composed of Grenerals Jonathan Dayton, Arthur St. 
Clair, James Wilkinson, and Col. Israel Ludlow, pur- 
chased the lands between the Miamis, around the mouth 
of Mad river, and laid out the town. The first families 
who made a permanent residence in the place, arrived on 
the first day of April, 1796. In 1803, on the organiza- 
tion of the state government, Montgomery county was 



518 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



establislied, and Dayton made the seat of justice. The 
earliest record of the county is June 11, 1804. What 
a change has transpired since that period ! Wolves and 
panthers, and other wild beasts, roved through the 
'^wildwood/' on the banks of the rivers. Premiums 
were offered for killing them, and in 1806 three dollars 
and seventy-five cents was paid for killing panthers ; and 
as late as 1810 the county records reveal the fact that 
thirty dollars was paid for " wolf-scalps." 

In 1805 an agreement was made with the trustees of 
the First Presbyterian Church for the loan of five hun- 
dred dollars to build a court-house, the money to be re- 
funded to the Church before 1810, and the Church to 
have the privilege of the use of the court-house till 
the money be refunded. 

In giving an account of the origin of Methodism in 
Dayton, I have had access to the old Church Register, 
which contains much correct information. From the 
pages of that ancient record I make the following ex- 
tracts : 

"In the year 1798, by the bishops and conference in 
Kentucky, I was sent to form a circuit in the Miami Val- 
ley, which I commenced down at Fort Washington, now 
Cincinnati. Then there were but a few log-cabins. I 
then passed up the Little Miami river to Madison, and 
took in Dayton, which consisted of eight or ten log- 
cabins only, where I formed the first class of six or 
eight persons, of which class William Hamer was made 
leader. I then passed down the Miami to Cincinnati, 
where I joined twenty-eight members, administering the 
first sacrament at brother M'Cormick's, where Milford 
now stands ; and in 1841 I am in Dayton again, in the 
seventy-fourth year of my age. John Kobler.'' 



METHODISM IN DAYTON. 



519 



"PKEFACE 

TC THE stewards' BOOK, OR EECORB OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
[church] society of DAYTOJf, MAD RIVER CIRCUIT. 

^'The necessity of a regular Church record is obvious 
to every member; the want of one, the cause of frequent 
complaint. It is to be lamented that so important a sub- 
ject is not generally attended to. There is too much 
reliance placed on class papers; but these being renewed 
annually, all dates are lost. There is, also, too much re- 
liance on memory. My present design is to endeavor to 
trace the society back to the time of its being estab- 
lished in Dayton. I shall want information that it seems 
impossible to obtain. Much of the material is dateless; 
I can state the most essential, but not in exact order. I 
shall record what comes to my remembrance between the 
establishment of the society in Dayton and my being 
appointed steward of the society. 

Feb., 1815. Geo. S. Houston, Secretary." 

In the introduction of the Church record I find the 
following note : 

"Previous to October, 1811, our public meetings had 
been irregular — preaching, at times, in Dayton, but stat- 
edly at brother William Hamer's. The class and prayer 
meetings were held at brother William Cottingham's, 
who was class-leader, or at brother Thomas Cottom's, 
about one mile east of Dayton. 

'^Bishop Asbury preached in the court-house, Septem- 
ber 22d, on his way to the annual conference, held in 
Cincinnati, October 1, 1811. At this conference Eev. 
John Collins, Rev. Moses Crume, and Rev. J. Tatmau 
were appointed to Mad River circuit. Brother Collins 
preached on Sabbath in the court-house, and requested a 
meeting of the society on Monday evening, at 4 o'clock, 
P. M. The following were the members at this time : 
"GrEO. S. Houston, Secretary. 



620 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



William Cottingham, class-leader; Mary Cottingham, 
Anna Cottingham, Leah Cottingliam, Joshua E. Cotting- 
ham, William Hamer, sen., Mary Hamer, Polly Hamer, 
Betsy Hamer, Thomas Cottom, Priscilla Cottom, James 
Cottom, Nancy Cottom, Jane Snodgrass, Aaron Baker, 
Hannah Baker, Philip Sowers, Peggy Sowers, Peter 
Brewer, Barney Brewer, Joseph Willson, Jane Willson, 
Stephen Sprague, Jemima Sprague — Total 24/' 

At the bottom of the list I find the following " memo- 
randa," in the handwriting of Rev. John Kobler : 

Formed the Miami circuit in 1798; visited it again 
in 1841. John Kobler, 

Aged 74 7/ears. 
" September 13, 1841. Dayton:' 
In the fall of 1815 the little band had increased to 
forty, and in 1818 there were two classes, numbering 
in all sixty-three — Thomas Sullivan and Thomas Cottom, 
leaders. 

Extracts from the journal of Rev. John Kobler : 
Lord's do,y, August 12, 1798. — Preached in Dayton, 
a little village by that name on the bank of the Big 
Miami river, and just below its junction with Mad river. 
Here are a few log houses and eight or ten families re- 
siding. Here I saw some tokens for good; the people 
seem to receive the word preached with all readiness of 
mind; indeed, several in the little company were much 
affected. When divine service was over I saw an Indian 
standing in the yard reading. I expect he was the fruit 
of the Moravian missionaries toward the north, as his 
book was in the G-erman language, and he of the Shaw- 
nee tribe. As he could speak a little English, I asked 
him if he knew for what intent we had met together, 
and what we had been doing. He said, ^ To worship the 
Great Spirit and to do good.' I asked him if he knew 
that Christ died for sinners. ^0, yes,' said he, 'I know 



METHODISM IN DAYTON. 



521 



that Jesus came a little baby into the world, and that he 
died upon the cross to save us from our sins, and bring 
us to heaven at last.' 

" In this neighborhood there are six or eight Method- 
ists settled, and among them there is a local preacher by 
the name of Hamer. I think he came down from the 
Redstone country; is from forty to forty-five years of age. 
Last year he raised a class of the few scattered Method- 
ists here, and for awhile met them as leader. I visited 
each of them severally, as far as possible, examined into 
the state of their souls, and found some of them filled 
with prejudice. I held a second public meeting among 
them, and read the rules of the society ; laid before them 
the great necessity of Christian union in Church mem- 
bership, and invited all those of them who could fellow- 
ship each other to come forward and join in class. So 
we organized a regular class of eight members, of whom 
brother Hamer was appointed leader. 

^^It is impossible for a person of intelligence to ex- 
plore this region of country, and not be deeply impressed 
with a forcible conviction of its future prosperity. Na- 
ture appears to have united all her advantages of land 
and water to pour forth, at a future day, immense treasure 
into the hands of the rising generation. The lands are 
a beautiful level, and as fertile soil as heart could wish. 
The rivers abound with clear, fresh, wholesome running 
water, affording every convenience for hydraulic power, 
and sufficiently navigable to carry down all the produce 
of the country and tradesmen to a good market. 

Monday^ August IS, 1798. — Rode down the Big Mi- 
ami river twelve miles, and preached in an old fortress to 
a small company, consisting chiefly of the few families 
that lived in the fort. On inquiry I found that this fort- 
ress was on the frontier, and no settlement around or 
near them. The inhabitants of this country are poverty- 



522 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



stricken in the extreme. The sustenance for man and 
horse can scarcely be obtained through the parts of the 
country which I have passed. However, they set before 
me the principal dish I have subsisted on since forming 
this circuit — a dish of boiled corn, in its soft state, of, 
which I gladly partook with a joyful heart. Rode on 
several miles to a little village called Franklin, where 1 
was kindly entertained by a gentleman whom they called 
Captain Ross. His companion was indeed a fine-disposed 
lady, who spared no pains to render my situation agree- 
able. I preached in his house by candle-light to the 
inhabitants of the place, which consisted of six or eight 
families. I was much taken with the appearance and 
seriousness of this company, several of whom appeared 
to hear for their souls, and felt deeply, as was manifest 
by their tears. 

''Indeed, my faith for this new circuit has much 
strengthened since last Sabbath, and at this time and 
place took firm hold on the throne of the Eternal. The 
promise, ' Lo, I am with you alway,' is like unto a sheet- 
anchor to the missionary, brightens the future, and looks 
forward to a successful day of the Church's glory, when 
the righteousness thereof shall go forth with brightness, 
and the salvation thereof like a lamp that burneth ; 
when this wilderness and solitary place shall be glad for 
them; and when this desert shall rejoice and blossom 
abundantly, even with joy and singing; then Zion shall 
break forth upon the right hand and upon the left, and 
her seed shall inherit the Gentiles, when many souls, 
won by grace, shall return with songs and everlasting joy 
upon their heads ! The Lord hasten it in his time ! 
This night T strengthened my hands in Grod ; and, al- 
though my body is feeble and much exhausted by labors 
more abundant, yet none of these things move me, nor 
shall thev detract, for a moment, from that steady pm- 



METHODISM IN DAYTON. 523 

pose of winning Christ, and calling poor outcasts to the 
feasts of grace. 

" As the settlers of this place have no fields open here 
for farming, they went over to the west side of the Mi- 
ami river last spring, into a rich prairie, which they pre- 
pared and planted in corn, without any fence or inclos- 
ure — as there were no domestic animals to destroy it. 
This fall they told me that the result was very promising, 
and bid fair for a good crop. 

Tuesday/, August 14. — I rode down the Miami thirty- 
six miles to explore the country. I found the settlement 
very sparse, only now and then a white family. About 
four o'clock, P. M., I came to an old garrison called Fort 
Washington, situated on the bank of the Big river. It 
bore the appearance of a declining, time-stricken place. 
Here are a few log buildings beside the fortress, and a 
few families residing, together with a small printing- 
office, just put into operation, and a small store, opened 
by a man of the name of Snodgrass. This, I was told, 
was the great place of old for the rendezvous of the Fed- 
eral troops, when going to war with the Indians. Here, 
alas ! General St. Clair made his last encampment with 
his troops before he met his lamentable defeat. Here I 
wanted to preach very much, but could find no opening 
* or reception whatever. I left the garrison to pursue my 
enterprise, with the full intention of visiting it again, 
and making another effort with them on my next round ; 
but this I was not permitted to do. 

^'August 19, 1798. — I preached at a brother M'Cor- 
mick's, eleven miles from where Cincinnati now stands, 
to a considerable company of attentive hearers. 

TJiui'sday, August 24. — Visited a new settlement 
called Sycamore, and preached at the house of a man by 
the name of Dusky, from these words : ^The Son of man 
is come to seek and save that which was lost.^ The fol- 



524 



FOOT -PR I NTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



lowing day I preached at a Mr. Ramsey's on faith and 
love^ and the day following at Mr. Yinyard's. Next morn- 
ing rode twenty miles to Beayer creek, and preached 
at Johun's. The next day I pushed on to the Mad river 
settlement, and reached brother Sink's weary and faint. 
Here I met with one of Baron Swedenborg's disciples. 
He appeared to be a man of good natural sense, but his 
mind, alas I as to religion and spirituality, is as visionary 
as that of Mohammed himself. He moved from Phila- 
delphia. Here I saw a grist-mill in operation grinding 
corn. The dam across the creek was constructed and 
built entirely by the heavers, where lay a tree twelve 
inches in diameter, the stump of which I measured with 
my own hands, which they had cut down with their 
teeth. The limbs of the tree were cut oiF in the same 
manner, and all wrought up in the dam in the best possi- 
ble manner. If this is not reason, it is certainly verging 
very near to it. 

August 2^ J 1798. — ^Preached in Dayton, on Sabbath, 
to all the people which town and country could afford, 
who were but few at best. My diary, before me, states 
that the word preached, at this time and place, was 
brought to bear upon the company with a powerful, 
quickening influence. All present appeared to be struck 
under conviction, and some made the inquiry, '"What 
must I do to be saved V Some followed me to the house 
where I staid, and expressed an increasing desire to be 
wholly devoted to God. The success of the G-ospel on 
this missionary field is no longer a problem. 

••I was at this time a very sick man. Started from 
Dayton down to my appointment at Hold's station, twelve 
miles ; reached the place ; the people were collected ; 
was not able to preach. Under present circumstances T 
was at a loss to know what course to pursue. To travel 
and preach was impossible, and to lie sick at any of the 



METHODISM IN DAYTON. 525 

houses m these parts would be choosing death^ as it is 
next to impossible for a well man to get food or suste- 
oance, much more for one prostrate on a bed of sickness. 
Next morning started to brother M'Cormick's, about 
fifty miles distant^ as the only place where 1 could stay 
with any degree of comfort. I rode this day twenty-five 
miles under circumstances trying to feeble nature. I 
had taken no sustenance in the morning and could reach 
no house. When my fever became high I had recourse 
to the ground for a bed for about two hours. I then 
rode on to the house of a Mr. Harlan, who received me 
kindly. 

January 1, 1799. — Preached in Dayton to a mixed 
company of*" traders from Detroit, some Indians, French, 
and English. Knowing that they all had immortal souls 
to be saved, I took for my text, 'In every nation he 
that feareth Grod and worketh righteousness is accepted 
of him.' I lifted up my voice like a trumpet, cried 
aloud, and spared not ; laid before them the corruptions 
of their wicked hearts, and the fearful consequences of a 
life , of sin, in such pressing terms that many of them 
lool^ed wild, and stood aghast, as if they would take to 
their heels. After preaching I met the class, and found 
them in a prosperous state, walking in the fear of the 
Lord. 

January 2. — On Monday expounded the 126th Psalm 
at Hold's station, with considerable success. 

March 25. — Preached at Ramsey's, and again at 
night met the society. As there were no candles to be 
had for night-reading and study, necessity invented the 
following plan: Take clarified beeswax, and, while in a 
warm state, roll it out in the shape of a tube, one end of 
which is rolled into a coil, which answers for the candle- 
stick In daytime we had recourse to the woods to study 
and read the Bible. 



526 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

April 2, 1799. — Preaclied in Dayton, for ttie last 
time; to all that town and country round about could 
afford, whicli were not many. Subject of discourse waa 
Esau selling his hirthright. I improved the subject by 
showing that every soul living has a spiritual birthright 
by virtue of the death and merits of our Lord Jesus 
Christ; that by improving it as the Grospel directs, we 
become heirs of Grod and joint-heirs with Christ to an 
eternal inheritance ; yet this bequest may be sold, and ia 
often sold, for a mere sinful trifle, which never fails to 
meet the Divine displeasure here and hereafter. I then 
met the class, read the rules, and pressed on the society 
the various duties devolving upon them as Church mem- 
bers; to attend class meeting, and follow peace with all 
men, and walk in love one with another. 

" Here I saw Dozier for the last time. He is a young 
white man, about twenty years of age. He was taken by 
the Indians when a child, and has continued with them 
ever since. When I first saw him at preaching I took 
much notice of him, and asked him to eat with me. He 
frequently attended my meetings with some other Indi- 
ans; always took him into class with me, and at times 
saw him affected. This day he appeared to be filled with 
emotion, and, when he took leave of me, burst into a 
flood of tears. 

" Next morning, on my way, I called to see a young 
man that was reported to be dying. I found him lying 
on some scraps of rags, apparently breathing his last. 
He cried to God, with uplifted hands, to save his body 
from death, and his soul from ruin ! Preached at Hold's 
station and at Franklin at night. In time of the first 
prayer a company of fifteen Indians came to the door. 
When we rose up from prayer the old chief fixed his eye 
on me, and pushed through the company to give me his 
hand. He was strung out with jewels in his ears, nose, 



METHODISM IN DAYTON. 



527 



and breast. When the service was over the chief gave 
me his hand; and they all retired in good order.'' 

In November, 1811, while Rev. John Collins was 
preacher in charge of Union circuit, three subscription 
papers were circulated for the purpose of raising funds 
to erect the first Methodist church in this city, under 
the superintendence of the late Rev. J. Collins. Decem- 
ber 26, 1811, a board of trustees was appointed, which 
consisted of the following persons : Andrew Read, Thos. 
Smith, Henry Opdyche, William Cottingham, Thomas 
Cottom, Aaron Baker. 

These subscription papers were not only circulated in 
town, but around on the circuit as far as Piqua. I find 
names familiar to me now. The board, on examining 
those papers, found the following amounts subscribed: 



Cash.. $78 00 

Merchandise 75 05 

Produce 60 50 

Materials 138 00 

Work 74 00 

Hauling 21 50 

Spinning- wheel and sundries 4 00 



Total $451 05 

A resolution was then passed to erect a '^meeting- 
house of the following description : A single story, 



at least twelve feet in hight; to be forty feet in length, 
and thirty feet in breadth; to have two proportionate 
doors; to be a good, substantial frame, weatherboarded, 
well shingled, and lathed and plastered." It was also 
resolved that Aaron Baker be appointed to receive 
the subscriptions." The house was erected in the year 
1812. 

On the 7th of November, 1813, a resolution was passed 
by the board of trustees to petition the Legislature to 
empower D C. Cooper, Esq., to make a deed to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church for a lot of ground donated 



528 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

by him, situated on Third-street and corner of Main 
The deeds were regularly executed in 1814. 

In March, 1814, it was resolved by the board to sell 
the west corner, on Main-street, of said lots, to procure 
means to finish the frame meeting-house. The whole 
work was superintended by Aaron Bakei;. A fourth part 
of said lot was sold for $750, and the house completed, at 
a cost of $1,210,981, in the year 1816. 

^^The word of the Lord grew and multiplied in Day- 
ton," and in 1827 the society resolved to erect a new 
house of worship, forty feet by fifty, of brick. This sec- 
ond house was also built by the late Aaron Baker, and 
was occupied by the society till the year 1847, when the 
old brick was removed and the present beautiful chapel 
erected in its place. The edifice is eighty-two feet long 
and fifty-five wide, with a tower and bell, a more particu- 
lar account of which shall be given hereafter. 

I may remark that Rev. James Welch removed from 
Kentucky, in 1804, and preached alternately at Bulah," 
and for the first Presbyterian Church in Dayton. This 
Church has gradually increased in prosperity till the 
present time, and there are now three Presbyterian 
Churches in the city. 

At a called meeting of the members of the quarterly 
conference, at the house of Thomas Parrott, Esq., on De- 
cember 9, 1839, while Rev. David Whitcomb was in 
charge of Wesley Chapel, and Rev. J. B. Finley presid- 
ing elder of the district, it was " unanimously resolved 
to raise a centenary subscription for the erection of an- 
other Methodist Episcopal church in Dayton, Ohio.'^ 

In July 10, 1841, I find the following record in the 
Minutes of the fourth quarterly meeting conference : 
"That, whereas, it is contemplated to build a second 
Methodist Episcopal Church edifice east of the canal; 
and, whereas, a committee was appointed to purchase 



METHODISIM IN DAYTON 



529 



a lot for that purpose, which said lot was deeded to J. 
W. G-riswold ; therefore, resolved, that the preacher 
in charge be requested to appoint a new board of trus- 
tees, to obtain a deed according to the Discipline of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church; whereupon the following 
brethren, were appointed said board : John Chase, W. L. 
Williams, Jacob W. G-riswold, Thomas H. Sullivan, and 
Jeremiah Wilt/' 

The deed was executed September 3, 1841, and the 
church was put under contract immediately — Daniel Cof- 
fin and D. Wayme contractors. According to contract 
the church was to be finished November 15, 1841. The 
house was completed and called Finley Chapel, after Rev. 
J. B. Finley, who was then presiding elder of the Day- 
ton district, and had done much toward the building up 
of this society. It was dedicated to the worship of Grod 
January 9, 1842. The quarterly meeting conference re- 
quested a minister to be appointed, to assist brother 
Waterman at the new church. Brother Beal, a local 
preacher, was appointed by the presiding elder to aid, 
etc. He was recommended to the annual conference. 
In 1842 Bev. Wm. Herr and Anthony Musgrove were 
appointed, and at the close of the year, namely, in the 
fall of 1843, Finley Chapel was erected into a separate 
charge. The next year the society was served by Bev. 
Anthony Musgrove, who was appointed as a supply by 
the presiding elder. In 1845 Bev. Moses Smith was 
appointed by the conference to Finley Chapel. Since 
then the society at Finley Chapel has gradually prospered. 

In the year 1852, while Bev. Thomas Grorsuch was 
preacher in charge of Finley Chapel, the society resolved 
to build a new brick edifice. The old frame house was 
accordingly sold to another denomination, and removed 
from the lot, and the new house was finished and dedi- 
cated on the first of January, 1853. This has been a 
45^ 



630 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

most vigorous branch of Methodism, and the brethren 
are zealous and active in every good work. 

In 1853 the sum of one hundred dollars was appro- 
priated by the Missionary Society for the purpose of es- 
tablishing a third Methodist Episcopal Church in Day- 
ton, or Miami City, across the river. Last fall a preacher 
Avas appointed — Rev. W. Fitzgerald. In due time a com- 
mittee was appointed and a lot secured in a central part 
of Miami City, eighty feet in front by one hundred and 
eighty-seven feet deep. The lot was donated by Mr. 
George Washington. A board of trustees was appointed, 
and a subscription was opened last summer at a basket 
meeting, appointed by Rev. William Herr, the presid- 
ing elder of the district. The church is now erected, 
and a young and vigorous society is organized. Some 
zealous and valuable members from Wesley Chapel have 
united with the society, and its future is full of promise. 
The church edifice is of brick, sixty feet long by forty 
feet wide. The hight of audience-room is eighteen feet, 
and it is neatly and tastefully finished throughout. The 
brethren have called the church Davisson Chapel, in 
honor of Rev. D. D. Davisson, who liberally contributed 
the sum of five hundred dollars toward its erection. 
The cost of the Chapel was two thousand, five hundred 
dollars. 

The old church becoming too small for the increasing 
congregation, in the fall of 1847, at a leaders' meeting, 
held in the office of Wesley Chapel, the following resolu- 
tion was passed : 

'^Resolved, That this meeting recommend to the trus- 
tees of this church to make arrangements for the erec- 
tion of a new church on the ground where the old church 
now stands, as soon as, in their judgment, the resources 
of the Church will justify; and that Rev. John S. In- 
«ikip, the preacher in charge, be appointed financial 



METHODISM IN DAYTON. 



531 



agent. And we also authorize him to take any measures 
that he may deem most expedient to raise the neces- 
sary funds, and that we will co-operate with him as far 
as circumstances will permit." 

The work was soon commenced, and, through the inde- 
fatigable exertions of brother Inskip and his amiable 
wife, the present beautiful edifice was erected and fin- 
ished early in January, 1849. A highly complimentary 
preamble and resolutions were presented by the quarterly 
meeting to Rev. J. Inskip and wife, for having, during 
the year, caused to be erected such a beautiful and com- 
modious house of worship. The dedication sermon of 
this church was preached by Eev. Dr. Simpson, now 
Bishop Simpson. Having honored the Lord by the erec- 
tion of a new sanctuary, the membership enjoyed relig- 
ious prosperity, and many were added, from time to time, 
of such as will, doubtless, in the end, enter the temple 
above, the house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. 

In the month of January, 1854, Wesley Chapel edifice 
was seriously damaged by the falling of an adjoining 
building. During the early part of the ensuing sum- 
mer the church was neatly repaired, and the time of 
re-dedication appointed, when a severe storm threw a 
part of the new Grorman building on the roof a second 
time, crushing part of the wall and damaging the inte- 
rior to a considerable extent. The trustees, however, 
repaired it again, more speedily than before, and in due 
time the Church was reopened. The entire cost of the 
repairs and refurnishing the church, as it now stands, 
was over three thousand, six hundred dollars. Under the 
pastorship of Rev. E. G. Nicholson, the Church is at 
present in a state of peace and prosperity; and long may 
it exist and flourish as a vine of the Lord's planting, 
ever pleasant in his eyes ! 



532 



FOOT -PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER LXXX. 

ORIGIN OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH IN URBANA. 

Urbaxa has been regarded as one of the strongholds 
of our western Zion. In an early day several members 
of the Churchy from the old settled portions of the 
country, emigrated to Ohio, and a few of them selected 
the broad and fertile plains of what is appropriately 
denominated Champaign county. In 1807 — forty-eight 
years ago, embracing a period of almost half a century — ■ 
Rev. T. Milligan visited the town of Urbana, and, after 
opening up his mission as a pioneer preacher, in the 
house of John Reynolds, Esq., he opened the doors of 
the Church, and received into her pale the following 
persons, whom he organized into a class, namely: John 
Reynolds, Jane Reynolds, Frederick Ambrose, Jane Am- 
brose, Ann Fitch, Mary Leman, Margaret Leman, and 
Mary Leman, jr. — now the widow of the late Grovernor 
"Vance — Mrs. Rigdon, Thomas Pearce, and Jane Pearce. 

Regular preaching was kept up at the house of brother 
Reynolds till the year 1811, when Rev. John Collins, 
assistant preacher on the Mad River circuit, made ar- 
rangements for the erection of a church, and appointed 
the following persons a board of trastees, namely : Saul 
Henkle, Nathaniel Pinkard, Abner Barrett, Frederick 
Ambrose, James Davisson, Thomas Moore, and John 
Reynolds. As that was the day of log-cabins,* the most 
that could be accomplished was the erection of a log 
church, the completion and dedication of which, among 
the early settlers, was regarded as great an enterprise as 
is now connected with the erection of the most magnifi- 
cent edifices of the present day. The location of this 



METHODISM IN URBAN A. 533 

log church was in the north-east part of the town^ and 
in due course of time it was erected. It was near the 
old graveyard, and its dimensions were thirty feet wide 
by fifty feet in length. Its puncheon floor and clapboard 
roof; antiquated pulpit and seats, wooden sconces and 
chandelier, were all in keeping with its rude exterior. 
The simplicity of the style of architecture, which might 
be denominated the backwoods" style, was no less 
striking than the backwoods style of the minister and 
his flock — the one plain, honest, fervid, and eloquent as 
nature and grace alone can inspire, and the other truth- 
ful, and loving, and zealous, full of faith and good works. 
In such rude and simple edifices our fathers worshiped in 
days of yore j and among the first churches which were 
erected in the North-Western territory, and subsequently 
the states now included in the tract of country lying- 
north-west of the Ohio river, the Methodist stands fore- 
most. Methodism was the pioneer religion of this then 
dense wilderness, with its sparse population; but the 
prestige of pioneer life is gone, and with it, we fear, its 
simple, earnest worship. Quarterly meetings and camp 
meetings in those days were occasions of unusual interest 
to the Methodist Israel, as they met from many and dis- 
tant points to hold communion with Grod, and make the 
forests vocal with the voice of prayer and praise. We 
would not say that the former times were better than 
these; for, in many respects, the Church has made a 
healthy progress; but we think there is not the same 
amount of self-sacrificing devotion exhibited as then, nor 
are the means of grace peculiar to Methodism as fully 
appreciated. Methodism has peculiar distinctive charac- 
teristics, to which she must adhere, or lose not only her 
hold upon the public mind, but her aggressive power; 
and while she keeps up with the age in all conservito- 
progressive movements, we trust she will ever preserve 



534 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



her strongly-marked identity witli laer original character. 
The old log church, having answered well its purpose 
for the times, was destined to give way to the march of 
improvement; and, in the year 1816, a lot was purchased 
on North Main and Church streets, for the purpose of 
erecting thereon a new church, not, however, of logs, 
but of brick, and of a more tasteful architecture. What 
is remarkable, is that the new church, which was erected 
and took the place of the old one, was of the same size, 
being thirty by fifty feet. 

In this church the society worshiped for nineteen 
years. Many interesting and thrilling reminiscences 
could be related of the labors and successes of the pas- 
tors connected with this charge during so many years; 
but pastors and people alike have gone, and with them, 
to a very great extent, has passed away the remembrance 
of the hallowed scenes and associations of our Zion. 
Cotemporaneous history can only record, with truthful- 
ness and impartiality, the events connected with Churches 
and individuals ; and, as it is desirable that these should 
be saved from oblivion, we trust the present will not be 
forgotten by those who are conversant with it, and com- 
petent to chronicle its historic scenes. 

Years roll on, and still we witness another change. 
The increase of the membership was such that the 
church was unable to accommodate the multitudes that 
crowded the gates of Zion ; and hence, under the admin- 
istration of Rev. W. H. Raper, a new church was erected 
in the year 1835. This church was fifty feet wide and 
seventy-five feet long, and marked a new era in the prog- 
ress of Methodism so far as church building was con- 
cerned. It was about the time when churches began to 
be built with basements for lectures and Sabbath school 
purposes, but, unfortunately, partly below the ground. 
This was the case with this new church ; but an excava- 



XENIA FEMALE SEMINARY. 535 

tion has, in a good degree, obviated the difi&culty. Since 
those days, though basements have not been dispensed 
with, they are generally constructed above ground, and 
are pleasant and useful appendages. To the church was 
added a steeple, in which was placed a fine-toned bell. 
At the time of the erection of this church it was re- 
garded as the finest Methodist church in Ohio; and we 
recollect with what feelings of wonder we gazed upon its 
columns and steeple for the first time, at a conference 
held there many years ago. It was the first Methodist 
steeple we had ever beheld, and though thought by some 
an innovation, we opine that a steeple, with spire to point 
out the locality of the church, and a bell to summon the 
inhabitants to the house of prayer and religious instruc- 
tion, will not be considered by them as useless things. 

This church stands to the present day, and its mem- 
bership are vigorous and active. It has always been a 
favorite appointment, and the preacher who is so fortu- 
nate as to be stationed among them, and enjoy their lib- 
eral-minded hospitality, regrets the approach of the pe- 
riod which, in accordance with the economy of the 
Church, removes him to another field. Such ^las been 
the progress of Methodism in Urbana, that it became 
necessary to organize a new charge, and last year an 
additional church was erected in the south-eastern part 
of the town. 



CHAPTER LXXXI. 

XENIA FEMALE SEMINARY AND COLLEGI- 
ATE INSTITUTE. 

This young but flourishing institution is located in 
the thriving and beautiful town of Xenia, on the route of 
the Cincinnati and Columbus, and Xenia, Springfield, 



536 FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 

and Dayton railroads. The citizens of this place are 
enterprising, and, if we may judge of their regard for 
morality and religion from the number of beautiful 
churches it contains, it will not fall behind any place 
of its size in the western country. The country arouna 
is picturesque and beautiful, while the land is exceed- 
ingly fertile and well cultivated. This town, like 
Urbana, at an early day became one of the strongholds 
of Methodism; old Union circuit, which originally in- 
cluded the town and surrounding country, being one 
among the first formed in the jSTorth-western territory. 
In this region many of the early pioneers of Meth- 
odism lived and died, and from it went forth to the 
itinerant field some of our most promising and talented 
young ministers, who are now, in their prime, filling 
some of the most important posts in the service of the 
Church. Though Methodism, through the admirable 
agency of the itinerant system, planted the first churches 
and obtained the precedence of all other denominations, 
which in numbers and influence it holds to this day 
throughout the country, yet in Xenia it has had to 
struggle .from the beginning in the midst of much 
opposition. Most successfully, however, has it accom- 
plished its mission, and its aggressive movements have 
been crowned with a success which has always charac- 
terized the energetic publication of a Gospel, which 
exhibits a full and free salvation for all who will embrace 
its provisions. 

The educational interests of Xenia, like those of al- 
most every other place in the western country at an 
early day, and, indeed, we may say till within the last 
quarter of a century, had fallen into the hands of other 
denominations, and were subject to their control, our 
pioneer fathers realizing what they supposed the greater 
importance of winning souls to Christ and gathering the 



XENIA FEMALE SEMINARY. 537 

wanderers in the wilderness into the fold of the Church, 
Within the period last named, so rapid has been the 
increase in the numbers and wealth of the Church, and 
the various facilities afforded in the development and 
resources of the country, and the large increase in the 
ministry, that Methodism has entered vigorously into the 
great work of education, and bids fair — if it does not 
already — to outstrip all other denominations in the pro- 
motion of this most interesting cause. Many institu- 
tions in Ohio connected in whole or in part with other 
denominations, aware of the fact of the greater facilities 
enjoyed by the Methodist Church through the numer- 
ous and efficient itinerant agencies for advancing the 
cause of education, have been conveyed to the patron- 
age of the conferences in its bounds; and so wonder- 
fully has the Church gained favor in this respect in 
the eyes of the people, that it may be said the Meth- 
odists are mainly responsible for the education of a 
majority of our youth. Impressed with this idea, at a 
conference held in Xenia three years since, the Trustees 
and stockholders of the Xenia Female Seminary pro- 
posed to transfer the same to the conference, and a com- 
mittee was appointed by that body to confer with said 
Trustees in regard to the matter. A seminary edifice 
had been erected near the town on an elevated site, in a 
beautiful grove containing about three acres, and pre- 
senting a commanding position. The result of the de- 
liberations was the appointment of a board of commis- 
sioners to negotiate the transfer, should they in their 
judgment deem it best for the interests of the Church. 
In due time the conditions were complied with and the 
transfer made ; and at the conference held at Hillsboro 
the following year Rev. Asbury Lowrey, A. M., was 
appointed by the Bishop Principal, under whose super- 
intendence the Seminary was organized and went into 
46 



538 



FOOT-PRI^TS OF AN ITINERANT. 



operation under the new regime. On the adoption of 
the institution . by the conference and the appointment 
of the number of trustees allowed by the terms of the 
contract with the stockholders, the Board immediately 
proceeded; haying raised the requisite amount of funds, 
to the erection and furnishing of a large boarding hall 
for the accommodation of the family of the President 
and the boarding scholars from abroad. This is a fine 
edifice, and well adapted for all the purposes for which 
it was intended. The institution from this date began 
to prosper, and the community generally were satisfied 
that the change was a beneficial one to all concerned, 
notwithstanding the awakening of some old prejudices 
which unhappily exist among certain denominations, 
which cause them to look with suspicion, if not jeal- 
ousy, upon the movements of the Church in regard to 
the subject of education. This we believe, however, is 
almost wholly allayed, and the pacific though aggressive 
spirit of Methodism has enabled it to go on in the even 
tenor of its way in diffusing a liberal education and an 
enlightened piety over the land. 

At the close of the year Rev. Mr. Lowrey resigned 
his charge as Principal, and Eev. Mansfield French, of 
the North Ohio conference, was appointed in his stead. 
3Ir. French is one of Ohio's earliest educators, having 
many years ago started a seminary in 3Iarietta, which 
exists to this day, and at the same time laid the founda- 
tions of Marietta College, now one of the most flour- 
ishing institutions of the state, under the control of the 
Congregationalists. Subsequently he organized a female 
seminary at Circleville, where we had the pleasure of 
first forming his acquaintance and that of his estima- 
ble lady, herself an excellent teacher. Since then he 
has been engaged in the regular work, part of the time 
operating as a most efficient agent of education for the 



XENIA FEMALE SEMINARY. 539 



Ohio Weslejan University and the Wesleyan Female 
College. 

Under the auspices of Rev. Mr. French the Xenia 
Seminary has prospered finely. In the catalogue for 
the academic year just closed we find the following list 
of the Faculty: Rev. Mansfield French, President, and 
Instructor in Natural Philosophy and Higher Mathe- 
matics; Mrs. A. M. French, Groverness, and Teacher in 
Moral Science, Physiology, Botany, and Reading; Miss 
E. M. French, Teacher in Mathematics, Ancient Lan- 
guages, and Composition; Miss 0. E. Harrington, Prin- 
cipal of Preparatory Department, and Teacher in As- 
tronomy; Miss A. Hedrick, Teacher of Primary Class; 
Miss Jane 0. Wiseman, Teacher in Instrumental Music; 
Mrs. E. K. Thatcher, Instructress in Yocal and Instru- 
mental Music. 

In the Preparatory and Collegiate Departments there 
are one hundred and thirty-two pupils, eighty-four in 
the latter and forty-eight in the former. The course of 
study is thorough and sufl&ciently comprehensive, em- 
bracing, when necessary, some of the modern languages. 
For purposes of illustration in the Natural Sciences the 
institution has a good chemical and philosophical appa- 
ratus. 

Such are the advantages afi'orded in our Church for 
a thorough education in all the solid and ornamental 
branches of education, that there can exist no necessity 
for parents sending their children east for an education; 
for we believe, so far as all the purposes of thorough 
mental discipline and refinement are concerned, no ad- 
vantage whatever can be gained. 



640 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AN ITINERANT. 



CHAPTER LXXXII. 

CONCLUSION. 

The aggressive spirit of Methodism lias attracted the 
attention and called forth the admiration of many of 
the greatest minds both in Europe and America. Meth- 
odism has always repudiated the idea that the Chris- 
tian Church was like a besieged fortress only able to 
defend itself, rendering an attack upon the territory of 
her enemies out of the question. It is too true that 
some of our societies remind me of a garrison which 
has kept out the enemy so long that the draw-hridges can 
not he lowered^ and they have become so fond of gar- 
rison fare and garrison duty that they have lost their 
courage, and feel no desire to enter the campaign and 
attack the enemy on his own territories. 0, brethren, 
let us awake to the notes of preparation now falling on 
our ears ! The great moral conflict waxes hotter and 
hotter still. As light increases and ^'■malces mani- 
festj' resistance becomes fierce and determined. Grod 
is '^shaking terribly the nations." The armies are in 
motion. 

" The CEOss is in the field; 
That banner, brighter than the star that leads the train of night, 
Shines on their march, and guides from afar his servants for the flight." 

What are we doing as a Church in Ohio? Let us 
look for a moment at our numerical strength, not as a 
cause of self-gratulation, but of wonder, thanksgiving, 
and deep liumiliation. In this state we have one hun- 
dred and nijieteen thousand, six hundred and thirty mem- 
bers, seven hundred and forty-three traveling preachers, 
and nine hundred and eighty-one local preachers, making, 
in all, one hundred and twenty-one thousand, three hun- 



CONCLUSION. 



541 



dre.d and fifty-four. These are distributed in the fol- 
lowing manner: Erie conference in Ohio, eight thou- 
sand, two hundred and sixty-seven members, sixty-eight 
traveling, and seventy-eight local preachers; Pittsburg 
conference in Ohio, eighteen thousand, nine hundred 
and thirteen members, ninety-four traveling, and one 
hundred and forty-five local preachers; North Ohio con- 
ference, twenty-nine thousand, six hundred and seventy- 
three members, two hundred and thirteen traveling, and 
two hundred and fifty-two local preachers; Ohio confer- 
ence, thirty thousand, four hundred and eleven members, 
one hundred and fifty-five traveling, and two hundred and 
thirty-five local preachers; Cincinnati conference, thirty- 
two thousand, three hundred and sixty-six members, 
two hundred and thirteen traveling, and two hundred 
and seventy-one local preachers. 

What have we done the past year for missions, church 
edifices, and especially for the salvation of immortal 
souls? Are we following in the footsteps of Him "who 
went about doing good?" Or, are we '^heaping up un- - 
certain riches,'' forgetting that 

" Dying ricli is guilt's blunder 
And the loudest laugh of hell." 

Have we a jpassion for saving sinners? are we rich in 
"good works, ready to distribute, willing to communi- 
cate, laying up in store for ourselves a good foundation 
for the time to come?" 

In 1777 a vessel attempted, during a tremendous 
storm, to run into the harbor of Dieppo. Boussard, the 
pilot, who was never missing when the tempest raged, 
was on the pier, and seeing the captain make several 
false maneuvers, called to him with his speaking-trum- 
pet, but, owing to the raging of the storm and darkness 
of the night, his efforts proved unsuccessfiil, and the 



542 



FOOT-PRINTS OF AX 



ITINERANT. 



vessel struck about tliirty fatlioms above tlie pier. Ev- 
ery body except Boussard gave the crew up for lost. 
Determined to save them, he tied a rope around his 
body in order to carry it to tlie ship. His wife and 
children surrounded him. and besought him not to rush 
into destruction. But he listened ortly to the voice of 
pleading liinnaniti/. and at length prevailed on the by- 
standers to take home his wife and children. He then 
tied the rope to the pier and round his body and 
plunged into the sea. Twenty times did the waves hurl 
him back upon the beach, and as often did he plunge 
again into the raging billows. A fresh wave flung him 
toward the ship, and he disappeared beneath her. A 
general cry of liorror jjToclaimed his destruction. But 
he only dived to lay hold of a sailor which the sea had 
swept from the deck, and whom he contrived to take to 
the shore. A last attempt proved successfnl to reach 
the ship. He climbed her sides and saved the crew, 
who were drawn ashore one after another by means of 
the rope. 

But Boussard had not yet finished his glorious work. 
Exhausted by his exertions, he was carried by his friends 
to the nearest house. A gust of wind wafted to the 
shore the cry of another passenger, who had been left 
behind. Boussard felt he had anotlier felJoic -creature to 
save. He felt his strength renewed, and ere his friends 
were aware rushed out of the house and encountered the 
same difficulties for his rescue also, and was successful. 
Louis XYI made him a present of ten thousand francs, 
and settled on him a pension of three hundred francs 
more. He was appointed keeper of the Pier light-house, 
which has ever since been held by the Boussards, de- 
scending from father to son ; and not a year has been un- 
marked by deeds worthy of the first possessor. Close 
to the parapet at the pier of Dieppe is a pole covered 



CONCLUSION. 



543 



wifh copper, to which is fastened a chain. Here in 
every storm since 1777, whether in the night or day, 
a Boussard has taken his station, and clinging to the 
chain, served as a warning voice to those whom danger 
and a tempestuous sea had driven into the harbor. 
And, though the waves broke over him and washed 
him from his post of honor, rising from their bosom he 
would give advice with his speaking-trumpet in defiance 
of the sea and storm. Fifty times, has a Boussard risked 
his life to save others. Napoleon ordered a house built 
for him, where the first Boussard performed his heroic 
achievement. He also gave him the " cross of honor.'' 
For more than half a century, wherever there has 
been a vessel or a fellow-creature to save, the people have 
asked, Have we no Boussard heref' 

Here, my dear reader, is an example worthy of imita- 
tion. How many Boussards have we in Ohio out 
of our one thousand, six hundred and twenty-four 
preachers and among our exhorters and laity? Bous- 
sard listened only to the voice of suff'ering humanity 
when the lives of his fellow-creatures were in jeopardy. 
Forgetful of self, of wife and children, he plunged into 
the sea and encountered the raging billows to save one 
poor, shipwrecked fellow-mortal from a watery grave. 
He felt that his work was not done while the cry of one 
struggling for life amid the angry waves still fell on his 
ear. But my soul, how many of us witness the wreck 
of hundreds of immortal spirits sinking around us, with- 
out making one single efibrt to save them from the 
horrors of a second death ! As they sink to rise no 
more, a mournful wail comes back to us from the far-ojBF 
coast of despair, ^'no man caretli for my souV And 
yet we fold our arms and say, "Am I my brother's 
keeper?" 

In 1798 Napoleon and his army crossed the desert to 



544 rooT-PRiNTS of an itinerant. 

attack the Mamalukes and capture tlie city of Cairo. 
Who can tell tlie sufferings of that weary march ? They 
were from the plains of sunny Italy, from the orange 
bowers of the hill-sides, and from the crystal, flowing 
fountains fed from the glimmering peaks of Jura. How 
changed the scene on every side ! The desert, like an 
ocean, waved in voiceless tide. All was sand — scorching, 
withering sand — with here and there an image looming 
up like a mirage to tantalize the vision. Night came, 
and the weary soldier laid him down by his toil-worn 
general to die. Black bread teeming with vermin sick- 
ened the voracious appetite, and the brackish water 
of the stagnant pool made their thirst the greater. 
The morning dawned and onward they marched — a band 
of indomitable spirits led on by the conqueror of the 
Alps. The third day came, and the general knew that 
the river of Egypt was near. Their arms were in- 
spected, and the army in battle array drew near the 
Nile. Noon came, and all at once the beautiful river 
in its majesty rolled at the feet of the adventurers. A 
little in the distance was seen the Flotilla,^' with the 
flag of the republic waving over it, and green fields and 
waving groves spread in beauty around them. 

^^The Nile ! the Nile !" thundered along the whole line. 
And then officers and men without due consideration 
rushed into its waters. Not a soldier threw ofi* his 
knapsack or stacked his musket. " Water! water! Oy 
God, a drop of water!" cried the weary and sick. 
Nor did the cry cease till the foremost soldiers had 
satisfied themselves and ministered to the wants of their 
fellows. The army soon reached Dankour and encamped 
upon a field of grain. The Mamalukes were beaten, and 
Napoleon entered Cairo. 

The front ranks of Napoleon's army in the waters of 
the Nile, to my mind, strikingly represents the position 



CONCLUSION. 



545 



of the Christian Church — drinking freely of the water 
of the river of life/' while the unconverted are lying 
in the rear on the sandy beach beneath a scorching sun, 
crying aloud, "Water! water! water! 0, G-od, a drop 
of water, or we die I" Will we continue to drink of 
this life-giving stream, and still withhold the "cup of 
salvation" from our friends and neighbors? May kind 
Heaven forbid it ! let us say, in the language of Christ 
on the "last and great day of the feast," "If any man 
thirst, let him come unto me and drink." "And it 
shall come to pass in the last days that living waters 
shall go out from Jerusalem half of them toward the 
hinder sea and half of them toward the former sea, and 
in summer and winter it shall be." 

"Come, traveler, slake thy thirst, 
And drive away dull care ; 
Thou need'st not broach thy little purse, 
For I am free as air. 

My home is on the mountain-side, 

My course is toward the sea ; 
Then drink till thou art satisfied, 

Yea, drink, for I am free." 

I am a firm believer in "the good time coming." I 
may not live to see it, but while I do live I will labor 
on and toil on in faith and hope. I may not be alive 
when the "watchman on the walls of Zion shall see eye 
to eye," yet I will labor to bring it to pass with a strong 
faith, I do believe all that "the mouth of the Lord 
hatl spoken" concerning the great change in the 
Church and the world in the "latter days." At all 
times the Church and her ministers must work! work! 
work! It is our duty to "sow the seed/' ever remem- 
bering the "increase is of God.'* 

The late Dr. Judson labored six years in his station 
before he baptized a single convert. After three of 



546 FOOT-PRINTS or AN ITINERANT. 

those years had passed he was asked, in view of apparent 
results, what evidence he had of ultimate success. " As 
much," he replied, "as there is a God who will fulfill 
all his promises'' His faith had not grasped a shadow. 
Over thirty years have elapsed since the first baptism, 
and now seventy churches, averaging one hundred each, 
are to be found in India. 

^^G-od is not a man, that he should lie; neither the 
son of man, that he should repent." What if our eyes 
should not behold this glorious consummation — the 
subjugation of the world to Christ I Our reward will 
be in proportion as we have toiled for its accomplish- 
ment, and our faithfulness while continued in the vine- 
yard. Luther said, non secundum fructum sed secundem 
lahorem. Grod is not unrighteous to forget our work and 
labor of love. His saints will not forget us when we 
rest from our toils. They will remember us stiU. 

" To live in hearts we leave behind us 

Is NOT TO DEE." 

I know not how to close this exhortation without 
soliciting an interest in the prayers of every Christian 
reader, that I may cultivate a cheerful submission to the 
will of Grod in all things, and wait patiently for the close 
of my earthly pilgrimage. " For me to live is Christ, tc 
die is gain." 

" In lucid robes of spotless wMte, 
Religion's angel form 
Dispels the gloom of death's dark night, 
And smiles away the storm." 



THE END. 



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